During the early morning hours of Saturday, April 1, 2017, a 32-year-old man was hit by a car while riding a bicycle in Sunnyside, Queens. According to authorities, Gelasio Reyes of Queens was struck by a red Ford Escape headed south close to the corner of 43rd Avenue and 39th Street just prior to 3:00 a.m. According to one witness, it did not seem as though Mr. Reyes was bleeding. However, he also did not look conscious while medics attempted to revive him after the collision. He was transported to NYC Health + Hospitals / Elmhurst, where he was declared dead.
As reported by CBS2, Mr. Reyes, who was married with three children, was on his way home on his bicycle. He had just left his job at a restaurant in Manhattan, where he made deliveries. The motorist did not stop, but instead, drove through the intersection.
Shortly afterward, police discovered the vehicle close to the Queens Midtown Expressway less than a mile from the collision, and apprehended the driver. The red Ford Focus had its windshield smashed, and the front bumper was on the verge of falling off the car. The driver was identified as Christian Guiracocha, age 25, who faces the charge of DWI. Police are conducting an investigation into the crash, and state that they may file additional charges.
Relatives of Mr. Reyes said he moved to Corona, Queens from Mexico, his native country, approximately 13 years ago. He leaves behind his wife, two sons and a baby girl who was recently born. His cousin described him as a great guy who was very hard-working. The death of Mr. Reyes occurred just days following an announcement by the city that cycling fatalities rose in 2016 in spite of a general decrease in traffic fatalities across the city.
Bicyclists are easily injured when struck by a car, and many motorists do not think about the safety of bicyclists who are close to their car. If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, including one involving a bicycle, call the personal injury attorneys at Proner and Proner. The attorneys at Proner and Proner will work with you to secure compensation for your loss.
