“I feel lucky because not a lot of people make it out of getting hit by a car,”
... Kernel Simon
Brooklyn - Brooklyn standout panist Kernel Simon was severely injured in a hit-and-run incident earlier this week on November 17. Simon’s right leg was shattered in the crime as he crossed the Nostrand/Flatbush Avenue junction in Brooklyn, New York. He was on his way to work. Doctors expect it to take months before Kernel can walk again. Thus far there has been no arrest.
There has been an outpouring of love and concern for the popular musician from all over the world. Kernel is a respected steelpan player and considered one of the best. Fluent in multiple musical genres and instruments within the steelpan family, “Kern” as he is known to his colleagues, is considered a natural and exceptional player.
The veteran ace panist is a member of Despers USA Steel Orchestra.
“All I saw was a light, then I was just on the floor in pain” - CBS News
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A hit-and-run victim who is unable to walk or work now hopes surveillance video will lead to an arrest.
Kernel Simon suffered a shattered right leg. He said his doctors told him it will take months and a series of surgeries before he can walk again, CBS2’s Dave Carlin reported. Simon was crossing Nostrand Avenue shortly before 5 a.m. Monday, heading to the train station to make his way to Manhattan where he works as an officer supervisor.
He also plays drums in the Brooklyn Steel Orchestra and his injury will prevent him from performing with the group for a number of holiday concerts. He admitted to CBS2 that he was not in the crosswalk, but he said he looked both ways and didn’t see any cars coming. Surveillance video from a deli captured the moment the driver slammed into Simon. “All I saw was a light, then I was just on the floor in pain,” he said.
Police do not have a good description of the driver, not even knowing if it was a man or a woman. Witnesses said the vehicle was a dark colored BMW SUV. read more
Kernel Simon with Despers USA Steel Orchestra
CBS 2 Exclusive News Report
