Manhattan, NY (June 5, 2025) – Authorities are investigating a deadly hit-and-run that occurred on the RFK Bridge Monday afternoon, claiming the life of a pedestrian.
Shortly before 1 p.m., officers from the NYPD responded to reports of a person struck on the Manhattan-bound side of the RFK Bridge near 125th Street. Upon arrival, they discovered a man whose identity and age have not yet been confirmed lying unresponsive on the roadway.
Initial reports indicate the victim was on foot when he was hit by a vehicle believed to have been exiting the bridge. The driver did not remain at the scene and fled before police arrived.
Emergency services transported the man to NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police have not yet identified the vehicle involved, and no arrests have been made as of Tuesday. The investigation remains active as authorities work to gather surveillance footage and witness accounts to locate the driver responsible.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones during this difficult time.
New York City Car Crashes
Manhattan’s fast-paced streets and constant flow of traffic make it one of the most dangerous places in New York City for pedestrians. Despite ongoing safety initiatives like Vision Zero, fatal pedestrian accidents continue to claim lives across neighborhoods from the Financial District to Harlem.
Several contributing factors have become all too familiar in these tragic incidents:
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks: In many fatal crashes, drivers fail to stop for pedestrians who are lawfully crossing at intersections. High-traffic zones such as Midtown, the Lower East Side, and the Upper West Side see some of the most frequent violations.
Hazardous Turns: Drivers turning at busy intersections often focus more on avoiding other vehicles than on watching for pedestrians. Left turns, in particular, are known to cause deadly blind spots that have ended in heartbreaking consequences.
Distracted Driving: Even in Manhattan’s crowded streets, some drivers still look at their phones or navigation apps instead of the road. A single moment of distraction is often all it takes for a pedestrian’s life to be cut short.
Speeding in Dense Urban Areas: Though Manhattan has some of the city’s lowest speed limits, drivers still routinely exceed them. Speeding in pedestrian-heavy areas like SoHo or around transit hubs greatly reduces reaction time and dramatically increases fatality risks.
Poor Visibility: Fatal pedestrian accidents often occur during dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours. Inadequate lighting, bad weather, and the visual clutter of the city can make it harder for drivers to see someone crossing the street until it’s too late.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, it’s not just a personal tragedy — it’s a matter of public accountability. A skilled Manhattan wrongful death attorney can help you pursue justice and hold negligent drivers responsible for their actions.
At Keith D. Silverstein & Associates, we stand with grieving families throughout Manhattan. With compassion and experience, we help survivors navigate the legal process and fight for meaningful compensation.
Call us today at 646-813-3922 for a free, confidential consultation. You don’t have to go through this alone — we’re here to advocate for your family and honor your loved one’s memory.
Notes: The information in this accident news post is gathered from secondary sources, including official police and fire department reports, media coverage, and eyewitness statements. Our team at Keith D. Silverstein & Associates has not independently verified all details. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact us so we can make prompt corrections. Should you wish for this post to be removed, we will honor your request as quickly as possible.
Disclaimer: These posts are meant to highlight the dangers of serious accidents in our region and promote safer driving. Photos used are not from the actual scene. This content is not legal or medical advice and is not intended as a solicitation for business.
