Lucille Pinkney and Hernan Pinkney die in fatal New York City park crash
Fatal New York City park crash death of Lucille Pinkney and Hernan Pinkney – Obituary
Lucille Pinkney, 59, and her son Hernan Pinkney, 38, were among the three victims who tragically lost their lives when a pickup truck plowed into a Manhattan park where they were celebrating the Fourth of July. The incident, which also left eight others injured, occurred on Thursday night.
According to Police Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, a Ford F-150 was speeding down a street just before 9 p.m. The vehicle ran through an intersection, ignored a stop sign, and then drove onto the sidewalk and into Corlears Hook Park on the Lower East Side.
Ana Morel, 43, was also killed in the crash. The driver of the truck, Daniel Hyden, 44, faces several charges including aggravated vehicular homicide, multiple counts of assault, driving under the influence, and aggravated unlicensed driving. Hyden, who was arrested at the scene, was awaiting arraignment and had no legal representation at that time, according to the Manhattan district attorney’s office.
Family members have expressed deep grief over the loss of Lucille and Hernan Pinkney, who were well-loved in their community. Diamond Pinkney, a relative of the victims, shared that Hernan was known for his competitive spirit, whether on the basketball court or during video games, and that he and his mother were best friends.
Haneefah Hasan, Lucille’s niece and Hernan’s cousin, remembered them fondly, highlighting their close bond and Lucille’s great sense of humor. “They were always together,” Hasan said, “and it’s just a devastating loss for all of us.”
Fire Department Assistant Chief Michael Meyers reported that emergency crews arrived to find the truck on top of the victims. Firefighters worked swiftly to free them before paramedics could provide treatment.
Among those injured were an 11-year-old boy, an 18-year-old woman, and several people in their 30s. The collision occurred approximately half an hour before the Macy’s fireworks display and other local celebrations.
Mayor Eric Adams condemned the incident, noting the tragedy of a driver targeting a crowd of people celebrating the holiday.
This crash followed another tragic event on Long Island, where an SUV collided with a nail salon, resulting in the deaths of four people, including an NYPD officer. The driver in that case was also charged with driving under the influence and has pleaded not guilty.
Fatal New York City park crash death of Lucille Pinkney and Hernan Pinkney – Obituary Lucille Pinkney, 59, and her son Hernan Pinkney, 38, were among the three victims who tragically lost their lives when a pickup truck plowed into a Manhattan park where they were celebrating the Fourth of July. The incident, which also…
Fatal New York City park crash death of Lucille Pinkney and Hernan Pinkney – Obituary Lucille Pinkney, 59, and her son Hernan Pinkney, 38, were among the three victims who tragically lost their lives when a pickup truck plowed into a Manhattan park where they were celebrating the Fourth of July. The incident, which also…