Off-Duty Firefighter Allegedly Causes Fatal Crash in Queens

Fatal crashes in Queens continue at a rapid pace, and some of these accidents gain more media attention than others. For example, crashes involving public officials tend to generate more interest. But that doesn’t mean that other fatal crashes are any less important – and every traffic fatality should matter to New Yorkers regardless of its circumstances. That said, particularly controversial crashes can help draw attention to traffic issues in New York – and they may even cause real change. What can you do after a car crash in Forest Hills?

Off-Duty Firefighter Faces Serious Consequences After Running Red Light

In late February of 2025, numerous sources reported a crash in Queens involving an off-duty firefighter. The FDNY employee was caught on camera running a red light before striking another vehicle at a high rate of speed. The collision sent a vehicle careening into scaffolding and a sidewalk shed on the other side of the intersection.

The other vehicle was occupied by a 23-year-old who died due to the collision. Footage from nearby surveillance cameras showed a “t-bone” impact at the intersection that threw the victim’s vehicle several yards down a street before coming to a halt. The initial impact occurred at such a violent rate of speed that it likely caused catastrophic injuries that were impossible to recover from. Although the victim was transported to a nearby hospital, he was soon pronounced dead at the emergency room.

ABC News later reported that the roof of the victim’s vehicle had been completely ripped off, and that its driver-side door was crushed. The victim was an employee at LaGuardia airport, and he was driving to work that morning to de-ice planes – a critical aspect of air travel safety.

But while one of these drivers was on his way to help with safety precautions, the other seemed to completely ignore them. What makes this even worse is that the driver who ran the red light is a firefighter – someone who is supposed to put public safety above all else.

After the incident, the firefighter was suspended without pay from the FDNY. He was also taken into police custody after refusing to take a breathalyzer test. Additional criminal charges include vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.

Key Takeaways:

Running a red light is a clear example of negligence
Those who run red lights are often texting behind the wheel or intoxicated
It is easier to prove intoxication in a civil lawsuit rather than a criminal case

Can a Forest Hills Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A Forest Hills auto accident lawyer may be able to help if you were involved in a serious collision. Experienced attorneys can also help families pursue wrongful death claims after fatal accidents in Forest Hills. These claims can provide compensation for missed earnings, medical bills, and other damages. To learn more about the next potential steps, consider scheduling your first consultation with Cohan Law, PLLC.

Sources:

abc7ny.com/post/fatal-car-crash-queens-nyc-1-person-dead-another-police-custody-vehicles-collide-east-elmhurst/15956425/