Staten Island, New York – A devastating car crash on Staten Island Friday morning has left the community mourning after a 6-year-old girl and a 90-year-old man died from injuries sustained in the collision, authorities report. Emergency responders rushed the victims to a nearby hospital, but both succumbed to their injuries, highlighting the severity of the crash.
Collision Details
The NYPD reported that a 50-year-old man, driving an Audi Q5, was traveling westbound on Rockland Avenue just before 10:00 a.m. when he attempted to turn left onto Forest Hills Road. During the turn, his vehicle collided with a Honda HRV, operated by a 70-year-old woman.
Emergency personnel transported three individuals to Staten Island University North Campus Hospital:
- Anheli Vasquez-Trinidad, 6
- Gerardo Avila, 90
- The unidentified 70-year-old Honda driver
Authorities confirmed that Vasquez-Trinidad passed away on Sunday after sustaining critical injuries. Avila also died at the hospital, while the 70-year-old driver remains in critical but stable condition. The relationship between the victims has not yet been determined.
Remembering Anheli Vasquez-Trinidad
Anheli Vasquez-Trinidad was remembered as a “tender, joyful, and playful” child, whose warmth and energy impacted everyone around her. A GoFundMe set up for her funeral expenses describes her as carrying “a light big enough to warm every heart.”
“Losing her has broken us in ways we never imagined. There is an emptiness in our home, in our arms, and in our lives that can never be filled,” the fundraiser statement reads.
“We were not prepared for this unimaginable pain, nor for the financial burden of giving Anheli the beautiful, dignified farewell she deserves.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Audi driver, who has not been publicly identified, was taken to the hospital in stable condition. No arrests have been made at this time. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine contributing factors, including potential traffic violations or mechanical issues.
Officials emphasize that the investigation is ongoing and urge anyone with witness information to come forward to aid law enforcement.
The NYPD continues to work with investigators to ensure a thorough review of the crash, while families and friends cope with the sudden and tragic loss of two members of their community.
How can communities better protect pedestrians and drivers in residential areas? What lessons can be learned from tragedies like this to prevent future accidents?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help spark a discussion about road safety and community support on Staten Island.
