The families of the four people killed in an alleged drunk driving crash on the Lower East Side during July 4 celebrations are still coping with their shocking losses, and paying for their loved ones’ final expenses.
Friends and relatives of two victims launched online fundraisers in recent days to help cover the costs of funeral expenses.
Emily Ruiz, 30, succumbed to her injuries last week, marking the fourth person to die when 44-year-old Daniel Hyden allegedly careened his pickup truck off the street and through a fence of Corlears Hook Park just before 9 p.m. on July 4, colliding with nine people.
Ruiz joins 43-year-old Ana Morel, 38-year-old Herman Pinkney, and his mother 59-year-old Lucille Pinckney who also perished.
Following Ruiz’s death, a family member created a GoFundMe campaign for the young mother and described the ongoing pain over her loss, describing her as a loving person with a good heart.
“Emily was uniquely wise beyond her years. If you ever spoke with Emily, you would quickly discover her loving nature and sincere heart, that she loved all things horror, reading, making bracelets for friends and family, and was a collector of many things,” Lilianna Ruiz wrote.
Above all, Ruiz was most proud of being a mother to her 6-year-old son who will now grow up without his mother.
“What Emily loved most was being a mom to the coolest little boy in the world and the one true love of her life, her son,” the tribute read.
As of 12:20 p.m. on July 16, more than $11,980 of a $20,000 goal had been raised.
Herman Pinkney, who was among the first to perish in the collision, was also remembered in an online GoFundMe post as a loving husband and loyal friend.
“Herman Pinkney was loved by every person he has ever met and will be missed deeply,” organizer Jessica Pellot wrote. “His wife and son now have the burden of having to learn to survive without him, as well as pay for daily life expenses directly after the loss of the head of household.”
In addition to his mother also dying in the holiday collision, his wife Jessica and son Jacob were also reportedly injured, leaving the family with large medical bills.
More than $17,600 had been raised for the Pinkneys — a little more than $2,400 shy of the $20,000 goal — as of 12:20 p.m. on July 16.
As for Hyden, the alleged drunk driver of the Ford F150 was pulled from the vehicle immediately following the incident and beaten by enraged witnesses before police took him into custody.
“Officers who arrived on the scene did smell some alcohol,” NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said. “We do believe alcohol played a role in this.”
Hyden ironically worked as a substance abuse counselor and even penned a book on addiction. He was charged with assault while recklessly causing serious injury with a weapon; aggravated vehicular homicide; driving while intoxicated, and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operator/motor vehicle.
“I hope you die!” Onlookers screamed as Hyden was transported to court on July 5.
