Felix Mendez Obituary, Death; – A man was tragically struck and killed by a speeding driver in a Brooklyn crosswalk early Thursday morning, an incident captured on video that shows the driver running a red light. The victim, identified as Felix Mendez, a 49-year-old resident of Brooklyn, was attempting to cross at the intersection of Bedford and Lafayette avenues in Bed-Stuy around 3 a.m.
Authorities are actively searching for the driver who fled the scene after colliding with Mendez. The surveillance footage, which depicts the harrowing event, shows Mendez legally crossing the street when he had the pedestrian signal. Suddenly, a light-colored SUV enters the frame at a high speed.
The vehicle crashes into the intersection while the traffic light remains red, propelling Mendez into the air. The footage indicates that he landed on the hood of another vehicle before being thrown to the ground. The driver then continued down the road without stopping.
According to police reports, Mendez sustained severe head and body injuries. Emergency medical personnel arrived promptly and transported him to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. “This is just absolutely horrific to hear,” remarked Paul Johnson, a neighbor who lives nearby.
Residents of Bed-Stuy, including Johnson, were awakened to the shocking news. “I hope the cameras captured enough evidence, perhaps a license plate, so that this individual can be held accountable for their actions,” Johnson expressed.
As of Friday evening, law enforcement had not made any arrests or provided information regarding a potential suspect. The police department’s online records indicate a concerning rise in pedestrian fatalities this year, with 84 deaths reported from the beginning of the year to October 6, surpassing last year’s total of 70.
