Brooklyn, New York — A 29-year-old cyclist was killed in a devastating early-morning hit-and-run after a pickup truck slammed into her e-bike, throwing her onto the road before the vehicle reportedly ran over her and sped away, authorities said.
The deadly collision happened Tuesday at one of Brooklyn’s busy intersections, leaving the victim with severe injuries and prompting an investigation by the NYPD as officers continued searching for the driver.
Cyclist Was Stopped at Brooklyn Intersection
According to police, Paulina Tec Choc, a Queens resident, was stopped at an intersection on Jamaica Avenue at around 5:50 a.m. Tuesday when the crash occurred.
A 2006 Ford F-250 pickup truck reportedly approached from behind and struck her e-bike.
The force of the collision allegedly sent Tec Choc flying from her bicycle and onto the roadway. Police said the truck then ran over her body before the driver fled the area.
The circumstances surrounding why the truck struck the cyclist remain under investigation. Authorities have not publicly identified a motive or explained whether the driver was aware that the cyclist had been hit.
29-Year-Old Cyclist Dies From Severe Injuries
The crash left Tec Choc with severe trauma to her head and body, according to authorities.
Emergency medical personnel transported her to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center following the collision. Despite efforts to save her, she later succumbed to her injuries.
Her death adds another tragic case to the dangers faced by cyclists navigating New York City’s heavily traveled streets.
The early hour of the crash also meant that investigators were working to establish exactly what happened at the intersection and identify the vehicle and person responsible.
Driver Fled After Deadly Collision
After the crash, the pickup truck driver reportedly left the scene without stopping to remain at the location or assist the injured cyclist.
Police said the motorist fled from the area around Jamaica Avenue and Cypress Hills Street. As of Wednesday, authorities had not apprehended the driver.
Investigators are expected to examine available surveillance footage, witness accounts and other evidence that could help determine the truck’s movements before and after the collision.
The fact that the vehicle has been identified as a 2006 Ford F-250 could also prove important as investigators work to locate the truck and determine who was driving it.
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NYPD Investigation Remains Ongoing
The case is being investigated by the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad, which handles serious and fatal traffic crashes across New York City.
Investigators will likely work to reconstruct the collision and determine how the pickup truck came into contact with Tec Choc’s e-bike.
The investigation could also determine whether additional charges are warranted once the driver is located and the circumstances of the crash are fully established.
For now, Tec Choc’s death remains a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability of cyclists sharing busy city roads with large vehicles. The search for the driver continues, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the fatal crash to assist investigators.
What do you think should happen to drivers who flee after deadly crashes? Share your thoughts in the comments.
