No Answers into Randy Zapakin's Death, Investigation Continues

It's been nearly two months since Yorktown's beloved Randy Zapakin was struck and killed by a car on Nov. 8 near his home on Farm Walk Road while he was walking his dog.

Yorktown police and the Westchester County district attorney's office are still investigating the incident, but Zapakin's friends and family are now questioning why there haven't been any answers yet. 

"I realize that nothing will change the fact that Randy is no longer with us but the family surely needs some measure of closure," Jim Bertie commented on this article on Patch. "We as friends of Randy and residents of Yorktown deserve some answers too. After all, it could happen to anyone one of us."

In November, Yorktown police Lt. Kevin Soravilla told Patch that forensic evidence taken from the scene by the police department's accident-reconstruction team has been sent to a laboratory for testing. At the end of December, he said the Westchester County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the case.

Tracy Everson, a spokesperson for the DA's office, said the incident remains under investigation. She did not say whether officials had received the lab results yet. 

"It's understandable people want answers," Everson told Patch and added investigations can take months or even up to a year. "It's the normal course of business. Investigations take time."

Zapakin was a successful real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty in Yorktown. He also volunteered at the town's Relay for Life cancer research fundraiser, served as the Master of Ceremonies and was instrumental in the 'Dancing with the Yorktown Stars' fundraiser.

The father of three and friend to many is remembered as a compassionate and generous man. He left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him because of his larger than life personality and smile. Friends have described Zapakin as a genuine, caring and fun-loving guy. 

Police said the vehicle that struck Zapakin was a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, being driven by an 18-year-old Yorktown resident whose name police have not release. The vehicle was traveling north on Farm Walk Road and ultimately came to a rest on a neighbor's lawn, police said.

Zapakin is survived by his wife Debbie Zapakin, co-owner of Wishes Boutique in Yorktown, sons Jordan and Jared and daughter Allie.

The Randy Zapakin Yorktown Community Service Award was established in his honor and the first annual award was given to the Yorktown Girl Scout troops in December.

"The far-reaching circle of his family and friends and admirers all await further information with a mounting anxiety that we hope and pray – especially for the sake of whatever closure his family can expect (and is entitled to) – will be reconciled as soon as possible," Bruce Apar commented on this article on Patch.

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