Anheli Vasquez-Trinidad and Gerardo Avila die in fatal Staten Island car crash

Anheli Vasquez-Trinidad and Gerardo Avila die in fatal Staten Island car crash

Fatal Staten Island car crash death of Anheli Vasquez-Trinidad and Gerardo Avila – Obituary

A tragic vehicle collision on Staten Island ended the lives of a 6-year-old girl and a 90-year-old man after a violent crash Friday morning, according to police.

Investigators said the incident happened just before 10 a.m. along Rockland Avenue. A 50-year-old man driving an Audi Q5 was traveling westbound when he attempted to turn left onto Forest Hills Road. During the maneuver, the Audi struck a Honda HR-V driven by a 70-year-old woman.

Emergency responders transported three occupants from the Honda to Staten Island University Hospital’s North Campus. Those injured included Anheli Vasquez-Trinidad, 6, Gerardo Avila, 90, and the driver, whose identity has not been released.

Police confirmed that Anheli Vasquez-Trinidad died on Sunday after succumbing to injuries sustained in the crash. Gerardo Avila also passed away at the hospital as a result of the collision. The driver of the Honda remains in critical but stable condition. Authorities have not disclosed whether the victims were related.

Loved ones described Anheli as a bright and affectionate child whose joyful spirit touched everyone around her. A GoFundMe campaign organized to help cover funeral and memorial costs portrayed her as gentle, playful, and deeply cherished by her family.

The fundraising page expressed the family’s grief, noting that the sudden loss created an overwhelming emotional and financial strain as they work to provide a dignified farewell in her honor. Donations have exceeded $13,600 to support burial arrangements and a memorial service.

The Audi driver was also taken to the hospital and is listed in stable condition. No arrests have been made, and law enforcement officials say the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.