Brooklyn Hit-and-Run Claims Life of 74-Year-Old Man

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A 74-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run accident Wednesday night in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, leaving the community shocked and grieving. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. near the intersection of Bay Ridge Avenue and Ridge Boulevard when Segundo Reina-Gaon was struck by a white SUV while crossing the street.

Disturbing surveillance footage captured the horrific moment of impact, showing the SUV traveling northbound and hitting Reina-Gaon as bystanders watched in horror. The vehicle did not stop, fleeing the scene and leaving Reina-Gaon lying in the middle of the road. Emergency responders quickly arrived, but Reina-Gaon was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly after the incident.

The hit-and-run has sparked an outcry from the local community, with many residents voicing concerns about the safety of the intersection. According to people who live in the area, accidents at the busy crossing are not uncommon, and they have long been advocating for improved safety measures. Some residents expressed frustration over what they perceive as inadequate traffic controls and enforcement in the neighborhood.

The New York City Police Department is actively investigating the case, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the hit-and-run driver or the white SUV to come forward. Crime Stoppers has been set up to receive anonymous tips at 1-800-577-TIPS. Investigators are also reviewing additional surveillance footage from nearby businesses to track down the vehicle involved.

The tragic death of Reina-Gaon has prompted renewed calls for pedestrian safety in Bay Ridge, with local officials and community members demanding action to prevent further incidents. There are growing calls for measures such as additional crosswalks, improved lighting, and speed-reducing measures to make the area safer for pedestrians, especially the elderly who are more vulnerable in busy traffic conditions.

As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the senseless loss of a neighbor and friend. Segundo Reina-Gaon is remembered by those who knew him as a kind and gentle man who was a familiar face in the neighborhood. His death underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in Brooklyn’s busy streets to protect pedestrians and prevent future tragedies.

This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers that pedestrians face on city streets, and the community is rallying together to push for changes that could save lives. The NYPD remains committed to finding the hit-and-run driver responsible for Reina-Gaon’s death, and they continue to seek the public’s help in bringing justice to his grieving family.