Long Island woman who was hit in face by frozen turkey and forgave teen who hurt her dies years later at 59

LAKE RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — A New Yorker who urged leniency for the teenager who nearly killed her in 2004 by throwing a frozen turkey through her car windshield has died. Victoria Ruvolo was 59.

Anthony Ruvolo says his aunt died Monday. The cause is unknown, and it's unclear whether the old injuries contributed to her death.

Newsday says every bone in Ruvolo's face was shattered and the steering wheel bent when the teenager threw the 20-pound turkey at her car.

She endured reconstructive surgery and months of rehabilitation.

Because of her advocacy, the youth got six months in jail instead of a potential 25-year prison sentence.

Ruvolo, of Lake Ronkonkoma, became an author and motivational speaker.

Linda Anne Lynch says her friend was a "believer in second chances."

She adds: "Forgive someone today in Vickie's memory."