A tragic start to 2026 has shaken a Queens community as two friends returning from New Year’s Eve celebrations became victims of a devastating hit-and-run collision. The incident occurred during the early morning hours when most residents were sleeping off their holiday festivities, unaware of the horror unfolding on their neighborhood streets. Emergency responders rushed to the scene but could only save one of the two pedestrians struck by the fleeing vehicle. This senseless act of violence has left families devastated and a community demanding justice for the victims.
This fatal accident is the first traffic-related death within the city
Two men walking across 102nd Street, near 37th Avenue in North Corona, were hit by a white sport utility vehicle that was speeding southbound towards Roosevelt Avenue when it happened past 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day. One of the victims flew into a parked 2021 Honda Pilot and landed beneath it, while his 24-year-old friend landed in the road seriously injured.
However, paramedics who arrived shortly afterwards confirmed the death of the 25-year-old male who was trapped beneath the parked car. The other friend is also fighting for his life at Elmhurst Hospital, which has left the families on the verge of a promising start to the year on a sour note. This unnecessary death represents the first traffic death in the year 2026 within the city.
The driver abandons the scene without stopping or providing assistance
The motorist driving the vehicle that resulted in the deadly accident accelerated away from the scene without even stopping to attend to the wounded victims in the accident. The police from the 115th precinct received a call from a 911 report regarding a motor vehicle accident and took it upon themselves to unravel the circumstances that occurred in the accident. The investigation found that the two men had walked across the road using the crosswalk before being struck by the speeding SUV.
The case is now being handled by the Collision Investigation Squad of the NYPD Highway District, with attempts being made to arrest the perpetrator involved in the “hit and run” crime. Surveillance camera images are being reviewed to establish the make of the vehicle as well as the perpetrator involved in the despicable crime. Analysis of the crash scene is also being conducted.
Community seeks justice while investigation continues
The identities of both victims are, as yet, unknown, although officials do confirm that the victims were friends returning from an evening out to ring in the new year. Funeral plans are being made for the deceased man, whose friend is in critical condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit. Residents are enraged about the driver’s careless choice to flee the scene to avoid the consequences of their actions.
Anyone with information about the fatal hit and run should call Crime Stoppers of the NYPD anonymously with information at 1-800-577-TIPS or go online to submit information anonymously at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org. All information provided is anonymous, which helps the NYPD and Crime Stoppers capture the hit-and-run suspect. Every hit-and-run situation serves as a grim reminder of what happens in the community when drivers hit and run.
Tragically, this is not an ending to usher in the beginning of a brand-new year for one family who is left to mourn the loss of a loved one, and for another who is praying that their son will recover from life-threatening injuries. The fact that the driver who struck the victims drove away from the scene has added to the anguish and suffering of both families, who hope to find justice through the ongoing police investigation.
