What to Know Victoria Ruvolo was nearly killed in 2004 when a teen threw a frozen turkey through her car windshield; she died Monday at the age of 59

Every bone in her face was shattered and the steering wheel bent when the 20-pound turkey smashed through her car; she rehabbed for months

Ruvolo urged leniency for the teenager -- and because of that, the youth got six months in jail instead of up to 25 years in prison

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 years old.

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

Every bone in Ruvolo's face was shattered and the steering wheel bent when the teenager threw the 20-pound turkey at her car as she drove home in November 2004.

The Lake Ronkonkoma woman endured reconstructive surgery and months of rehabilitation; her jaw had to be wired shut and metals were used to rebuild her face. Despite that, Ruvolo lobbied Suffolk County's district attorney to give the teenager a plea deal. Because of her advocacy, the youth got six months in jail instead of a potential 25-year prison sentence.

A friend, Linda Anne Lynch, told Newsday that Ruvolo, who went on to become an author and motivational speaker, was a "believer in second chances."

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