by Staten Island, New York — A tragic car crash on Staten Island has claimed the lives of a 6-year-old girl described as joyful and deeply loved, along with a 90-year-old passenger, leaving a community grieving and investigators working to determine what went wrong.
The deadly collision occurred Friday morning and sent multiple victims to the hospital, where two later died from their injuries, according to police.
Crash occurred during left turn on Rockland Avenue
According to the New York Police Department, the crash happened just before 10:00 a.m. on Rockland Avenue, near Forest Hills Road.
Investigators said a 50-year-old man driving an Audi Q5 was traveling westbound when he attempted to make a left turn onto Forest Hills Road. During the maneuver, the Audi collided with a Honda HR-V driven by a 70-year-old woman.
The impact was severe, prompting an immediate response from emergency crews.
Victims rushed to hospital after violent collision
First responders transported three occupants of the Honda to Staten Island University Hospital North Campus.
Those taken to the hospital were:
- Anheli Vasquez-Trinidad, 6 years old
- Gerardo Avila, 90 years old
- The 70-year-old female driver, whose name has not been released
Police said the relationship between the three individuals has not yet been confirmed.
Child and elderly passenger later pronounced dead
Authorities confirmed that Anheli Vasquez-Trinidad succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead on Sunday. The 90-year-old passenger, Gerardo Avila, also died at the hospital following the crash.
The 70-year-old driver remains in critical but stable condition, according to police.
The Audi driver was transported to a hospital as well and was reported to be in stable condition.
Family remembers “joyful” 6-year-old girl
Anheli’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from loved ones, who described her as a bright and loving child with an infectious spirit.
A GoFundMe created to help cover funeral expenses described the young girl as tender and playful.
“Anheli was only 6 years old, yet she carried a light big enough to warm every heart around her,” the fundraiser stated.
“She was tender, joyful, playful, and so deeply loved.”
The statement continued:
“Losing her has broken us in ways we never imagined. There is an emptiness in our home, in our arms, and in our lives that can never be filled.”
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Family members said they were unprepared not only for the emotional loss, but also for the financial burden of arranging a dignified farewell for the child.
Community rallies to support grieving family
As of the latest update, the GoFundMe campaign has raised just over $13,600, which organizers said will be used to coordinate funeral arrangements and a memorial as a final act of love for Anheli.
Supporters have shared messages of condolence and memories, calling the loss heartbreaking and senseless.
Investigation ongoing, no arrests announced
Police said no arrests have been made in connection with the crash, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Authorities have not yet said whether speed, driver error, or other contributing factors played a role. Further details are expected as crash reconstruction and witness interviews continue.
Another reminder of roadway dangers
The fatal crash underscores the dangers present at busy intersections and the vulnerability of passengers — especially children and seniors — during serious collisions.
City officials continue to urge drivers to use caution, particularly when making turns at intersections where visibility and timing can be critical.
What more should be done to improve intersection safety and prevent tragedies like this?
Share your thoughts, condolences, or concerns in the comments and join the conversation with other readers following this developing story.
