Eight Dead, Thousands Hurt—Who’s Letting Drivers Get Away With Murder?

A mother and two daughters died on Ocean Parkway. The car struck them in the crosswalk. The driver sped, license suspended, dozens of violations. A son clings to life. The street holds the mark. Lawmakers call for speed limiters.

CBS New York (2025-04-02) reports that Miriam Yarimi faces arraignment after a crash in Midwood, Brooklyn killed Natasha Saada and her daughters, ages 8 and 5, as they crossed Ocean Parkway. Police say Yarimi was speeding, rear-ended another car, and hit the family in the crosswalk. Her license was suspended, with 'dozens of violations and $10,000 of unpaid fines.' NYPD Commissioner Tisch stated, 'This was a horrific tragedy caused by someone who shouldn't have been on the road.' The crash renewed calls for Albany lawmakers to mandate speed-limiting devices for repeat offenders, with a bill proposed to require such technology for drivers with more than six camera violations.

• Speeding Driver Kills Brooklyn Family Crossing, CBS New York, Published 2025-04-02

A driver sped through a red light on Ocean Parkway. She struck an Uber, flipped, then hit a mother and her three children in the crosswalk. The mother and two daughters died. The lone surviving son remains in critical condition.

According to the New York Post (2025-04-01), Miriam Yarimi drove her Audi at 50 mph—twice the speed limit—without a license, insurance, or registration. She ran a red light at Quentin Road and Ocean Parkway, striking an Uber and then a family lawfully crossing. Natasha Saada, 32, and her daughters Diana, 8, and Debra, 5, were killed. Only Saada’s son survived, hospitalized in critical condition. The article quotes survivor Mahbuba Ahmedova: “When I opened my eyes, I saw two kids were killed, and I thought they were my kids.” Yarimi faces three counts of manslaughter. The crash exposes the lethal risk of unchecked speeding and unlicensed driving on city streets.

• Speeding Driver Kills Brooklyn Family Crossing, New York Post, Published 2025-04-01

A driver ran a red light on Ocean Parkway. She struck a mother and three children in the crosswalk. The mother and two daughters died. The youngest boy fights for life. Charges include manslaughter and reckless driving. Systemic failures linger.

NY Daily News reported on March 31, 2025, that Miriam Yarimi faces charges after fatally striking Natasha Saada and her three children in a Brooklyn crosswalk. Police say Yarimi 'careened into them' at Ocean Parkway and Quentin Road, running a red light and speeding. The mother and two daughters, ages 5 and 8, died at the hospital. The 4-year-old son remains in critical condition. Yarimi faces counts of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, reckless driving, and aggravated unlicensed driving. The article notes Yarimi's prior legal battles with the city and her involuntary psychiatric commitment after the crash. The case highlights ongoing risks at city intersections and the deadly consequences when drivers ignore signals and speed limits.

• Brooklyn Mother, Children Killed in Crosswalk Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-31

A mother and her two daughters died on Ocean Parkway. The driver, on a suspended license, crashed after colliding with another car. She had a long record of violations. The victims were leaving Shabbat services. Streets remain unforgiving.

According to the New York Post (March 30, 2025), Miriam Yarimi, 32, drove her Audi with a suspended license on Ocean Parkway in Gravesend. She collided with a Toyota Camry, then struck and killed a mother and her two daughters, ages 8 and 6, as they left Shabbat services. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed Yarimi's license status. The article reports Yarimi had 'over 93 traffic violations on WIGM8KER including 20 speeding tickets,' and a recent ticket for 'speeding through a school zone.' Yarimi was arrested at the scene, but charges were pending at publication. The case highlights persistent dangers for pedestrians and repeated failures to keep high-risk drivers off city streets.

• Suspended Driver Kills Family On Parkway, New York Post, Published 2025-03-30

An Audi driver with a suspended license turned at a red. She struck a family crossing Ocean Parkway. A mother and two daughters died. Their son fights for life. Another family in a hit car suffered minor wounds. Streets remain unforgiving.

Gothamist reported on March 29, 2025, that a mother and her two daughters were killed when an Audi A3, driven by Miriam Yarimi, turned right on red and struck them in Midwood, Brooklyn. Police said Yarimi’s license was suspended. The car first hit a Toyota Camry, then continued forward, hitting the family in the crosswalk. The article quotes NYPD Commissioner Tisch: 'This was a horrific tragedy caused by someone who shouldn't have been on the road.' Yarimi faces multiple charges, including manslaughter and aggravated unlicensed operation. The crash left a young boy in critical condition and injured another family. The incident highlights the dangers of unlicensed driving and the risks at busy intersections.

• Suspended Driver Kills Brooklyn Family, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-29

A parked sedan was struck on its left side doors in Brooklyn. The driver, a 39-year-old man, suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Limited view contributed to the collision, highlighting risks of obstructed sight lines.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:00 AM near Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn. A 2013 BMW sedan was parked when it was struck on the left side doors. The driver, a 39-year-old male occupant, sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor to the collision. Both involved vehicles were parked at the time, with the box truck showing no damage. The driver of the sedan was not ejected and was not using any safety equipment. The data indicates no driver error beyond limited visibility, emphasizing systemic dangers posed by obstructed views in vehicle environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801122 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Luis Cruz stepped from his car. An e-bike delivery worker flew through a stop sign. The crash was sudden. Cruz died on the street. The rider stayed. The intersection is known for danger. Delivery speed and city policy collide.

Gothamist reported on March 23, 2025, that Luis Cruz, 49, died after being struck by an e-bike delivery worker who "sped through a stop sign" at Franklin and India streets in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Witness Jack Collins said, "He died basically on the spot." The e-bike rider remained at the scene; no arrests were made as the investigation continued. The article notes that the intersection is a known trouble spot, with Collins stating, "It's not a unicorn incident. It's happened a lot." The report highlights systemic issues: delivery app pressures, lack of regulation, and a street design that encourages risky moves. City data shows e-bikes account for a small share of traffic deaths, but the policy debate continues.

• E-Bike Rider Runs Stop, Kills Man, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-23

Sedan slammed van’s rear as it changed lanes on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Van driver suffered back injury and whiplash. Police cited improper passing and close following by sedan.

According to the police report, a sedan struck the left rear quarter panel of a van changing lanes on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway near Flushing Avenue at 3:00 AM. The van driver, a 30-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and whiplash. Police listed 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors, pointing to driver error by the sedan operator. The van driver was conscious, not ejected, and wore a lap belt and harness. The sedan’s right front bumper was damaged. The report does not mention any actions by the van driver contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799300 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

BMW rear-ends Tesla near midnight on Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal folds. Four men bleed and reel from whiplash and cuts. Police cite following too closely and unsafe speed. Pain lingers. The road stays cold.

According to the police report, a BMW sedan struck a Tesla sedan from behind on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway just before midnight. The BMW driver was cited for 'Following Too Closely' and 'Unsafe Speed.' Both cars were traveling straight. The impact crushed the Tesla’s rear, injuring four male passengers and drivers. One young man suffered severe facial lacerations; others sustained whiplash, concussion, and shock. All wore seat belts. No contributing factors were attributed to the victims. The crash highlights the danger of driver errors—following too closely and speeding—on New York highways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799341 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan driver disregarded traffic control and collided with a northbound bicyclist on Hall Street in Brooklyn. The 56-year-old female cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan showed no damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:35 on Hall Street in Brooklyn. A sedan traveling south was starting from a parking position when it struck a bicyclist traveling northbound. The contributing factor cited is 'Traffic Control Disregarded' by the sedan driver. The bicyclist, a 56-year-old female, was ejected from her bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report notes the bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, sustained no damage despite the impact occurring at the right front bumper. The collision highlights the dangers posed by drivers ignoring traffic controls, resulting in serious injuries to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799293 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan turned left on Washington Avenue and hit a woman on an e-scooter head-on. She crashed to the pavement, blood running from her scalp. She stayed conscious, 29, staring skyward in Brooklyn’s night.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Washington Avenue near Myrtle Avenue made a left turn and struck an eastbound e-scooter head-on. The report states, 'The car struck her head-on. She hit the pavement hard. No helmet. Blood ran from her scalp.' The e-scooter rider, a 29-year-old woman, suffered a severe head injury and remained conscious at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan’s driver’s actions—turning left across the path of the oncoming e-scooter—are central to the collision. The victim was not wearing a helmet, but this is noted only after the driver errors cited by police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798536 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A driver out on bail smashed into a Toyota in Bushwick. The crash killed Hayden Wallace and injured three others. The driver fled, leaving chaos behind. Police tracked him for over a year. Charges stack up, but the loss remains.

NY Daily News (March 8, 2025) reports that Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested after a deadly hit-and-run in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Seabrook had been out on bail for a previous crash involving police. On January 8, 2024, he crashed into a Toyota, killing Hayden Wallace and injuring three others. Seabrook fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle. The article notes, "All accidents are useless but this one was even more useless because [Seabrook] had so many other offenses." Seabrook faces 23 charges, including manslaughter, leaving the scene, unlicensed driving, and speeding. The case highlights repeated driver offenses and questions about bail and enforcement. Police needed over a year to arrest Seabrook, who had a history of fleeing crashes and driving without a license.

• Repeat Offender Kills Passenger In Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-08

A 23-year-old woman crossing Vanderbilt Avenue with the signal was struck by an SUV making a right turn. The vehicle failed to yield right-of-way, causing knee and lower leg injuries. The pedestrian remained conscious despite contusions and bruises.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Vanderbilt Avenue near Fulton Street in Brooklyn around 7:00 PM. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing the intersection with the signal when she was struck by a northbound SUV making a right turn. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor on the driver's part. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious with contusions and bruises. The vehicle showed no damage despite impact at the right front bumper. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The incident highlights a critical driver error in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797043 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A dump truck turned right on Withers Street. The driver hit a man crouched for food. The man died at Elmhurst Hospital. The driver fled. Police are still searching. Brooklyn’s streets remain deadly for those on foot.

Gothamist reported on March 3, 2025, that a dump truck driver fatally struck a man in his 20s on Withers Street near Woodpoint Road, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The man was kneeling in the street to pick up food when the truck, turning right, hit him. According to police, 'the driver, a 49-year-old man, left the scene.' The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. No arrests have been made. The article notes this was one of several fatal crashes in Brooklyn that week, highlighting persistent dangers for pedestrians. NYPD data shows at least 10 traffic deaths in Brooklyn so far this year, matching last year’s pace. The driver’s failure to remain at the scene underscores ongoing issues with hit-and-runs and enforcement.

• Dump Truck Kills Pedestrian in Williamsburg, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-03

A man sped through a stop sign in Brownsville. His Mercedes hit a school bus. His passenger died. He ran from the wreck in a taxi. Police found him later. The victim’s family mourns. The street remains unchanged.

NY Daily News reported on March 2, 2025, that Tyree Epps, 32, drove a Mercedes-Benz without a license, ran a stop sign on Van Sinderen Ave, and crashed into a school bus. The article states, “After the crash, Epps hopped in a taxi and took off, leaving his 26-year-old passenger, Imani Vance, in the front seat suffering severe head trauma.” Epps faces charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene, and unlicensed driving. The bus driver survived. The crash exposes ongoing risks from unlicensed, reckless drivers and the persistent danger at city intersections. The victim’s family is left to grieve and organize a funeral, while the intersection remains a site of loss.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Fatal Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-02

SUV struck a 32-year-old man at Waverly Avenue. Driver’s distraction left the pedestrian with knee and leg injuries. Impact was direct. Streets remain perilous for those on foot.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male pedestrian was hit by a southbound SUV at 143 Waverly Avenue in Brooklyn. The man suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the cause. The SUV, a 2021 Mazda, struck the pedestrian with its left front quarter panel while going straight. The driver was licensed. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No contributing factors are listed for the pedestrian. This crash highlights the risk posed by distracted drivers to people walking in New York City.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795689 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Kia slammed into a Toyota on Stockholm Street. Hayden Wallace, 29, died. Two friends survived with critical wounds. The driver fled. Police arrested Christopher Seabrook. The crash left a new life cut short, a city shaken.

According to the NY Daily News (published March 1, 2025), Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested for the hit-and-run crash that killed Hayden Wallace, 29, in Bushwick on January 8, 2024. Seabrook allegedly crashed a Kia Sportage into a Toyota Yaris carrying Wallace and friends, then fled the scene on foot. Wallace died; two others were critically injured. The Toyota’s driver was also charged with driving without a license. Seabrook faces charges including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene. The article quotes Wallace’s aunt: “He lived life to the fullest. He was only 29 years old and lit up every room he entered.” The case highlights the deadly consequences of reckless driving and fleeing crash scenes in New York City.

• Bushwick Hit-And-Run Kills Passenger, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-01

A motorcycle traveling south was struck by an SUV making a U-turn on Clermont Ave in Brooklyn. The motorcycle driver was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cite unsafe lane changing as the cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:26 on Clermont Ave in Brooklyn. A 26-year-old male motorcycle driver, traveling southbound, was struck by a northbound SUV making a U-turn. The point of impact was the right front bumper of both vehicles. The motorcycle driver was ejected from the vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in a severity level 3 injury. The driver reported complaints of pain or nausea and was in shock. The police report identifies 'Unsafe Lane Changing' by the SUV driver as the contributing factor to the crash. The motorcycle driver was not cited with any contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed, while the motorcycle driver held a permit and was not using any safety equipment. The collision highlights the dangers posed by improper lane changes and U-turn maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795704 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A cyclist struck a 76-year-old man crossing Lafayette Avenue. The man suffered a severe head injury and was found unconscious. Police cite driver inattention as the cause.

According to the police report, a cyclist traveling east on Lafayette Avenue struck a 76-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the street. The pedestrian suffered a severe head injury, was unconscious at the scene, and sustained fractures and dislocations. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The cyclist was going straight and hit the pedestrian with the center front end of the bike. No damage was reported to the bike. The incident highlights the danger posed by inattentive cyclists to vulnerable pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795351 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.

NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.

• BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-18