Dr. Monika Woroniecka, a renowned pediatrician, tragically died after falling out of her Airstream camper on a New York highway while on her way to watch the total solar eclipse with her family. The accident occurred on Route 12E in Jefferson County, New York, on April 6, 2024. Woroniecka fell out of the camper, which was being lifted by a pick-up truck driven by her husband, during the last 20 minutes of their trip. Witnesses reported seeing her arm hanging on the open passenger side door of the Airstream before she was thrown from the vehicle and her head hit the roadway shoulder. She was pronounced dead at a hospital following the accident, and an investigation is ongoing.
Woroniecka, who was 58 years old at the time of her death, worked as a doctor at Stony Brook Medicine specializing in Pediatric Allergy-Immunology. She had been practicing since the early 2000s and treated children with allergies, asthma, and skin conditions. Additionally, she served as a clinical assistant professor and was known for her extensive experience in evaluating children for immunity disorders and frequent infections. Outside of work, Woroniecka enjoyed hiking, exercise, and spending time with her family and friends.
The tragic incident occurred as the Woroniecka family was on their way to witness the total solar eclipse, which was a highly-anticipated event in several upstate New York cities including Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, Rochester, Syracuse, Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, and Watertown. A neighbor of the couple described them as a “really nice family” and expressed sadness over the loss, highlighting their reputation as good neighbors. The neighbor also expressed sympathy for Woroniecka’s husband and children, noting that they were well-liked within the community.
The news of Dr. Monika Woroniecka’s untimely death sent shockwaves throughout the medical community and beyond, as colleagues and friends mourned the loss of a dedicated physician known for her compassionate care of children. Woroniecka’s about page highlighted her commitment to developing long-term relationships with families while managing chronic allergy-related conditions in children. Her passion for her work and dedication to helping children and their families navigate difficult health issues left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
As the investigation into the tragic accident continues, details surrounding the circumstances leading to Woroniecka’s fall from the Airstream camper remain under scrutiny. The New York State Police released a news release stating that the door of the camper swung open due to the wind, causing Woroniecka to be thrown from the vehicle. The community and medical colleagues of Woroniecka continue to mourn the loss of a beloved doctor whose legacy of compassionate care and dedication to the well-being of children will be remembered for years to come.
