A Pasco County husband said he was just informed his wife died as a result of a defective airbag.
Nichol Barker was in a crash last week in Holiday. According to FHP, a 19-year-old was driving on Moog Road and did not yield before turning left to get onto Pinehurst Drive. The cars slammed into each other. They spun and then landed next to a stop sign.
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Larry Pahlck said he and his wife were married almost 5 years. He said troopers recently told him his wife died because the airbag in her Honda failed.
"Airbags are supposed to save lives. How does an airbag kill my niece," Colleen Pahlck said.
Colleen Pahlck flew in from New Jersey to comfort her nephew, Larry.
"She was a great woman. (She) loved her children. (She) loved her husband," Colleen Pahlck said.
Barker's car, a 2002 Honda Accord, is part of a massive recall of Takata airbags installed in Honda vehicles. Honda officials said they have tried reaching out to the owners several times, but Barker's family said they had no idea about the recall.
"Knowing Nichol, she definitely would have ..I know she would have ...taken care of it," Colleen Pahlck said.
FHP is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and they confirm Barker's car had its original manufacture airbag.
At this time FHP continues to investigate the case. According to FHP, the investigation and any charges are pending.
Honda urges owners of their recalled cars to get them repaired immediately; we're told they have enough parts and will do it for free.
"If anyone has this car, get rid of it. Don't drive it 'cause I'd hate to see anyone else lose a loved one," Colleen Pahlck said.
