Family of hit and run victim reflects on his legacy

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) — One of the victims who was hit by a vehicle in the Walmart parking lot in Wilton in October died on Monday. State Police have identified the deceased as Michael Bushey, 69, of Saratoga Springs. NEWS10’s Amber Fisher sat down with Michael’s family to talk about the legacy of love that he leaves behind.

Brittany Sanders, Michael’s Daughter said that her dad lived for the simple joys, like time with the people he loved most. His wife, Sandra Bushey, said that he could only be described as a family man. He loved taking them on vacations, going fishing, and playing with his grandkids. Especially spending time with his pride and joy, and very best friend– his grandson, 5-year-old Malcom. 

But the center of Michael’s world was his wife, Sandra. His family calls them soulmates and said that they were inseparable. Even while Michael was in the hospital after he was hit, he sent Sandra love songs. Sandra said that her and Michael had been together for 23 years, adding, “We would have been married ten years in May. And we were going to renew our vows this year.”

Sandra was at work with Michael the day he was hit by the alleged shoplifter’s car. He was severely injured and spent time in the ICU. The family said he was just days away from being released from the hospital to rehab when he went into cardiac arrest.

Michael had only worked at Walmart for six months — taking the job just to spend more time with Sandra, who’d been working there for years. The two of them even worked the same shifts. “He wasn’t working very long. He kind of just did it to give him something to do because he hated, like, just sitting home and not doing anything. My mom’s been working there for, like, three years, so he was like, why not just get a job and give him something to do.” said his daughter Brittany.

She added, “He was out making an honest living. This person just chose to … [do] it to my father a way cost him, you know, to cut his life so short. It should’ve never happened.”

Through their grief, Michael’s family is leaning on their faith — and the community — to get through the days ahead. “Just pray for us, you know, just give us the strength to get through this.” said his daughter Brittany.

If you would like to donate, a GoFundMe has been set up to assist Michael’s family with funeral costs. Members of the public are also invited to attend his funeral service on Monday, November 10th from 5-7 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care in Saratoga Springs.