Segundo Reina-Gaon Death — A tight-knit Brooklyn community is in mourning following the tragic death of a 74-year-old man in a hit-and-run accident.
The incident, which occurred late Wednesday night in Bay Ridge, has left residents reeling and outraged over long-standing safety concerns in the area. The victim, Segundo Reina-Gaon, was crossing the street near Bay Ridge Avenue and Ridge Boulevard around 9 p.m. when a white SUV struck him.
The vehicle, traveling northbound, fled the scene without stopping, leaving Reina-Gaon gravely injured on the road. Disturbing surveillance footage captured the moment of impact, showing bystanders in shock as the SUV sped away.
Despite the rapid response of emergency personnel, Reina-Gaon was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital. His sudden death has sparked an outcry from the Bay Ridge community, many of whom have long voiced concerns about the intersection where the tragedy occurred.
Residents of Bay Ridge describe the intersection of Bay Ridge Avenue and Ridge Boulevard as notoriously dangerous. Accidents at this crossing are said to be frequent, with many pointing to inadequate traffic controls as a key contributor to the risks pedestrians face. 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-reducing mechanisms like speed bumps or traffic lights. Many have criticized city officials for not addressing these concerns despite years of advocacy.
“Something like this was bound to happen,” one resident lamented, emphasizing that the community has been asking for better traffic enforcement and safety features for years. “It’s only a matter of time before another tragedy strikes unless the city takes action now.”
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has launched a full-scale investigation into the hit-and-run. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, and Crime Stoppers has set up a hotline for anonymous tips at 1-800-577-TIPS. Investigators are reviewing additional surveillance footage from nearby businesses in an effort to track down the vehicle involved.