Manhattan, New York — A devastating crash on Manhattan’s Upper West Side has left two fathers dead and several others injured after an alleged drunk driver lost control of his SUV and plowed into pedestrians gathered outside a neighborhood barbershop.
SUV Crashes Into Group Outside Barbershop
The deadly incident happened around 6:00 p.m. on May 15 near Amsterdam Avenue and West 109th Street. Authorities say 61-year-old Elvin Suarez was driving a Mercedes SUV when he allegedly collided with a parked vehicle, triggering a chain reaction before the SUV jumped the curb and struck multiple people on the sidewalk.
Residents told reporters that several men had been sitting outside a local barbershop on folding chairs when the SUV suddenly barreled toward them.
According to investigators, two people lost their lives in the crash: 46-year-old Jason Negron and 35-year-old Michael Saint-Hilaire. Three additional victims, ranging in age from 36 to 52, were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Witnesses Describe Terrifying Scene
Eyewitnesses described scenes of complete chaos as the vehicle tore through the area.
“He was just swerving, driving really fast, and then he drove up over the median,” witness Eva Santiago said. “We saw the car go up in the air and come down and land on everybody.”
Footage from the scene reportedly showed several people standing behind a van moments before the SUV slammed into it and continued onto the sidewalk.
One witness said a victim became trapped underneath the vehicle while another person was left bleeding on the pavement. Bystanders were later seen desperately attempting to lift the SUV so the trapped individual could be rescued.
Emergency Response Unfolds in the Street
Retired EMT Janice Diaz rushed to help after seeing victims lying motionless on the ground.
“I am just yelling, ‘Back up, back up! I’m an EMT, I’m trying to help! Someone help me to hold his head and call 911!'” Diaz recalled.
She performed CPR on one unconscious victim while emergency crews rushed to the scene. Diaz also noted that the victims were local residents spending time together before tragedy struck.
“These are all people from our neighborhood,” she said.
Authorities later confirmed that the crash did not appear intentional, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Driver Faces Serious Charges
Police allege Suarez was intoxicated at the time of the crash. He now faces multiple charges, including manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, and driving while intoxicated.
Officials also warned drivers to avoid the area due to the heavy emergency response and ongoing collision investigation.
The tragedy has reignited concerns about impaired driving in New York City, especially in crowded pedestrian-heavy neighborhoods where a single reckless decision can have deadly consequences.
Families Remember Two Beloved Fathers
As the community mourns, tributes have poured in for the two victims.
A GoFundMe page for Jason Negron described him as a beloved doorman and longtime community member.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic news of the passing of our beloved doorman, Jason Negron,” the fundraiser stated.
The tribute added, “More than a doorman, Jason was a friend to so many and an important part of our building family.”
Negron is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Meanwhile, loved ones remembered Michael Saint-Hilaire as a devoted father and compassionate friend.
“Michael was the kind of person who would always lend a hand or offer a smile to anyone in need,” his fundraiser read.
Saint-Hilaire leaves behind three young children, with supporters describing his sudden death as heartbreaking for everyone who knew him.
What are your thoughts on this tragic crash and the dangers of impaired driving? Share your opinions respectfully in the comments below.
