In an unimaginably tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community of Crown Heights, 79-year-old Yvonne Sandiford, a beloved mother of 10, lost her life in a fatal hit-and-run accident on November 2. The intersection of New York Avenue and Fulton Street became the site of an unspeakable tragedy, leaving neighbors, friends, and family grappling with grief and the harsh reality of a life cut short.
According to investigators from the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad, the heartbreaking incident unfolded on a Thursday night when Yvonne Sandiford was crossing New York Avenue around 6:30 p.m. In a horrifying turn of events, she was struck and dragged by a gray Nissan Rogue making a left turn. Adding to the distress, the driver of the Nissan Rogue callously fled the scene without offering any assistance.
As Yvonne lay in the roadway, another vehicle, a white Toyota Sienna, struck her, compounding the tragedy. Shockingly, the driver of the Toyota Sienna also fled without stopping to help. Tragically, Yvonne Sandiford was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving her family and the Crown Heights community in mourning.
Born in Barbados, Yvonne had been a resident of New York since 1991, and her vibrant presence touched the lives of many. Patrick, one of her children, expressed the profound pain of losing his mother in such a heartless manner.
“They reassured me that they’re gonna do everything in their power to try to find these people that did this because it’s terrible,” Patrick said. “My mom was such a caring person, and she didn’t deserve this. Nobody deserves this.”
Despite the extensive family Yvonne leaves behind, Patrick emphasized the unique bond he shared with his mother, recounting the special moments they had, including sharing the same birthday.
Yvonne's tragic end was marked by an unexpected last interaction with her son. Patrick vividly recalled the last time he saw his mother, a poignant memory from a rainy Sunday when she asked him for a ride.
“I couldn’t leave her hanging. I said, ‘No problem, yeah.’ So I came, and I got her and when we pulled up over here, she said give me a hug and I hug her and kiss her on her head, and I didn’t know that was the last time I was going to touch my mom,” said Patrick.
Yvonne Sandiford's death leaves a community grieving, her family in mourning, and the NYPD urging anyone with information about the hit-and-run to come forward. The investigation continues, with hopes of bringing justice for Yvonne Sandiford and her grieving loved ones.