Motorcyclist Dies After Van Wyck Chain-Reaction Crash
A 39-year-old motorcyclist died after an April 14 chain-reaction crash on the Van Wyck Expressway, where police said another motorcyclist left the scene.
reviewed article location (qns.com).
What We Know
Jonathan Santiago, 39, of Glendale, died after a multi-vehicle crash on the northbound Van Wyck Expressway near Exit 12A for College Point Boulevard on April 14, 2026. Police accounts published by QNS said Santiago was riding a 2018 Yamaha R1 when the crash sequence involved a stationary 2021 Yamaha motorcycle on the exit ramp and then a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van driven by a 47-year-old man. Police said the van driver stayed at the scene, while the other motorcyclist left. The NYPD later released a photo and asked the public to help identify that rider.
A chain-reaction crash near Exit 12A
The official crash record places the collision at about 7:15 p.m. on April 14, 2026, on the Van Wyck Expressway and records one motorist killed. QNS, citing the NYPD, reported that Jonathan Santiago, 39, was riding north toward Exit 12A for College Point Boulevard when the crash sequence involved a stationary 2021 Yamaha motorcycle on the exit ramp and then a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van traveling north.
Jonathan Santiago died at the hospital
Police responding from the 107th Precinct found Santiago on the roadway with severe head trauma, QNS reported. EMS took him to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The official record identifies the person killed as a 39-year-old male motorcycle driver.
Police described two motorcycles and a van in the crash sequence
The official crash record lists two motorcycles and a station wagon or sport utility vehicle. QNS reported more specific details from police: Santiago was riding a 2018 Yamaha R1, the other motorcycle was a 2021 Yamaha, and the third driver was a 47-year-old man in a 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.
The crash was reported near Flushing Meadows Corona Park
QNS reported that the crash happened on the northbound Van Wyck Expressway near Flushing Meadows Corona Park, as Santiago was heading toward Exit 12A for College Point Boulevard. The official crash record lists the Van Wyck Expressway as the crash street.
Investigators sought the other motorcyclist
QNS reported that the Mercedes driver remained at the crash site, while the other motorcyclist left. In July, the NYPD released a photo of a person sought in the case and asked the public for help identifying him. The NYPD Highway District's Collision Investigation Squad continued the investigation.