A tight-knit Brooklyn community is mourning the tragic death of a 74-year-old man in a hit-and-run crash.
The incident, which occurred late Wednesday night in Bay Ridge, has left residents outraged and outraged by long-standing safety concerns in the area. The victim, Segundo Reyna-Gaon, was crossing the street near Bay Ridge Avenue and Ridge Boulevard around 9 p.m. when he was hit by a white SUV.
The vehicle, which was heading north, fled the scene without stopping, leaving Reina-Gaon critically injured on the road. Disturbing surveillance footage captured the moment of the collision, showing shocked onlookers as the SUV sped away.
Despite the quick response of emergency personnel, Reina-Gaon was pronounced dead after being taken to a nearby hospital. His sudden death sparked an outcry from the Bay Ridge community, many of whom have long expressed concern about the intersection where the tragedy occurred.
Bay Ridge residents describe the intersection of Bay Ridge Avenue and Ridge Boulevard as notoriously dangerous. Accidents at this crossing are said to be common, with many pointing to inadequate traffic control as a major contributor to the risks faced by pedestrians. In the wake of this latest fatality, there are growing calls for immediate action to prevent further accidents.
According to local residents, the area lacks sufficient pedestrian safety measures, including properly marked crosswalks and speed reduction mechanisms such as speed belts or traffic lights. Many have criticized city officials for not responding to these concerns despite years of advocacy.
“Something like this was bound to happen,” one resident lamented, stressing that the community has been demanding better traffic protection and safety features for years. “The next tragedy is only a matter of time unless the city takes action now.”
