Rich O’Brien, Port Jefferson Station, N.Y dad dies days after struck by speeding bicylist walking to work through NYC’s Central Park. 32-year-old cyclist avoids charges. Tributes pour in for Local 638 Steamfitter.
A father-of-two has died days after he was hit by a speeding cyclist while walking through New York City‘s Central Park on his way to work.
Rich O’Brien, 41, of Port Jefferson Station, was struck on Wednesday at around 6.36am near West 84 Street while walking along the roadway only to mortally succumb to his injuries four days later.
O’Brien was fatally struck by a 32-year-old bicyclist, People reported.
Central Park jogger remains in coma after struck by E-bike rider (who faces no charges)
O’Brien, a father of two girls, aged eight and 12 years old, suffered ‘severe head trauma’ after the incident caused him to fall to the ground, while the un-identified cyclist was thrown off his bike and sustained minor injuries.
O’Brien was transported to New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition.
He tragically passed away ‘peacefully’ in the early hours of Sunday morning with his wife at his side, according to a shared GoFundMe.
‘Although our hearts are broken by this unimaginable loss, Richie’s legacy will live on. He was able to give the gift of life to others through organ donation, helping those in need even in his final moments,’ the fundraiser stated.
The ‘loving husband and father’ was said to have suffered a ‘devastating’ brain injury while walking to work, as he did ‘every day to provide for his family and give his wife, Ronni, and their two daughters, Kylie and Mia, the life they deserve.’
‘Richie is a proud Local 638 Steamfitter,’ the fundraiser said.
Speeding cyclist left ’emotionally’ devastated
Laura Sackler, who saw the incident unfold, told NYC Streets Blog that the cyclist looked ‘very shocked and confused which turned into what I felt like was disbelief.’
‘He was clearly emotionally devastated and at one point near tears,’ she added.
Sackler said O’Brien was knocked unconscious from the crash, lost a lot of blood and did not regain consciousness, noting that medical assistance ‘took an incredibly long time’ to reach him.
Jenicia O’Brien, the father’s sister-in-law, said their family is ‘heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of my beloved brother-in-law.’
O’Brien was ‘deeply loved, cherished and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of everyone who knew him,’ she added.
At the time of the crash, the Local 638 Steamfitter was working on a union project at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, according to the New York Post.
Tributes pour in for Local 638 Steamfitter
The tragedy led to an outpouring of tributes and grief on social media.
Posted, Ken O’Brien, a close family member: ‘Please someone wake me up from this nightmare.’
Felicia Hettrich, a longtime friend of O’Brien’s, wrote on Facebook that he was ‘the best person I have ever known.’
‘I’ve known Rich since I was seven… The best father, husband and friend anyone could ever ask for. Rich and Ronni showed us all what true love is. His love for his daughters has set the bar for what a father should be,’ she said.
‘He taught us as friends that you show up, as he always has, and that you always finish your beer. Now it’s our turn to show up for him and his family.’
Another friend of over 30 years said he considered O’Brien as ‘a brother.’
‘There isn’t a better human being on this planet,’ Matt Hettrich wrote.
‘He’d drop what he was doing instantly if anyone needed help. I strive to be even half the husband, father, and friend that he is.’
Andrew Kozlowsky, another friend, said: ‘Words can not describe the devastation of this tragic accident.’
‘Rich is one of the best people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He is selfless, kind, funny, an amazing father, husband and to me a lifelong friend,’ he continued.
‘I have known and been friends with Rich for over 30 years and the stories and memories are countless. Rich was that one friend you could always rely on… I will forever miss you Rich.’
Ronni O’Brien had shared countless photos of their young family travelling across the world, and many of O’Brien lovingly posing with his daughters.
A funeral is set to be held on Friday in Port Jefferson Station.
It remained unclear if the cyclist would now face any charges.
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