MTA driver fighting for life after heart attack on the job

MTA workers, family and friends came out to support and pray for 44-year-old MTA bus driver Jovanna Ortiz outside of St. Barnabas Hospital on Tuesday.

News 12 Staff

Aug 16, 2022, 9:28 PM

Updated 788 days ago

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MTA workers, family and friends came out to support and pray for 44-year-old MTA bus driver Jovanna Ortiz outside of St. Barnabas Hospital on Tuesday. 
Her family says the bus driver is in a coma after a scary accident nearly two weeks ago. Police say Ortiz suffered a heart attack while driving and the bus crashed into a subway pillar, injuring Ortiz and 12 passengers. 
“She's the rock of our family,” said Ortiz’s sister Karina Nieves. "The MTA has not stopped showing their support and care and prayers, it's been overwhelming." 
Ortiz is a 14-year veteran of the MTA, and her sister says they often pass each other on their respective bus routes. The family hopes that the prayers and good wishes bring her a speedy recovery.