According to her family, Ava Conklin (2003-2023) was an eternally happy 19-year-old who loved ice cream, travel, animals, Broadway, and the Beatles. Living in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan and working at the Rockaway Hotel, she was waiting at a bus stop for her sister, Peyton, on Rockaway Beach Boulevard and Beach 108th Street on June 24, 2023 when she was fatally struck by a driver who jumped the curb.

Born August 3, 2003 and raised in Hell's Kitchen, she spent a lot of time in Rockaway as well. Growing up, she was dedicated to the theater and music that surrounded her in the Theater District. In the fifth grade, Conklin joined Rosie’s Theater Kids, a local nonprofit arts organization that connects New York City public school kids to music and theater, where she gained a love for acting, dancing, and singing. She had just completed her first year at Vermont State University, where she was a psychology major.

Legislation to rename the intersection in Conklin's name was introduced and passed in the City Council by NYC Councilwoman Joann Ariola in June 2024. The street co-naming ceremony took place on August 3, 2024, which would have been Conklin's 21st birthday. Her family, friends, Ariola, and some Rosie’s Theater Kids gathered for the ceremony.

Since her death, Conklin's family has been advocating for a change to laws in drug testing drivers involved in fatal car crashes.