Cui Ju Yu, 79, Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver in Corona

12:09 PM EDT on September 17, 2013

The elderly pedestrian who was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Corona Sunday afternoon died from her injuries.

Cui Ju Yu, 79, was at least the fourth senior killed by a New York City motorist in the last month, and at least the 24th pedestrian or cyclist age 65 or older to die in traffic in 2013, according to crash data compiled by Streetsblog.

Reports say Yu was carrying groceries and walking with her dog at around 3 p.m. when she was hit at Junction Boulevard and 50th Avenue. Surveillance video shows the driver of a minivan making a left-hand turn directly into the victim, backing up, and driving away. Yu died Monday at Elmhurst Hospital.

Police tracked down and arrested David Rojas, 19, of Elmhurst. He was charged with leaving the scene. From DNAinfo:

Workers in a store across the street remembered Yu as a kind woman who came in regularly to buy Chinese newspapers.
"She was a very healthy, nice lady," said Sandy Castillo, 35, who works in the DK & DS Grocery store across the street from the accident.
"She is very sincere, would come in to buy newspapers everyday."
Castillo said she was thankful the surveillance video from her store could help identify the suspect.
"We wanted to catch him," she said. "I thank God we had the video."

"People like that shouldn't drive, definitely," said Winson Yu, the victim's grandson, to NY1. "I mean what he have don't to my grandma I'll never forgive him, whatever the reason behind it I'll still never forgive him. He hit her didn't even bother to stay call police and just left."

Yu was one of three NYC pedestrians killed by hit-and-run drivers last weekend.

This fatal crash occurred in the 110th Precinct, where at least three other pedestrians have been killed by drivers this year. To voice your concerns about neighborhood traffic safety directly to Deputy Inspector Ronald D. Leyson, the commanding officer, go to the next precinct community council meeting. The 110th Precinct council meetings happen at 7:00 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at the Flanders Field VFW Post #150, 51-11 108th Street, in Corona. Call the precinct at 718-476-9310 for information.

The City Council district where Cui Ju Yu was killed is represented by Julissa Ferreras. Ferreras is a proponent of safer streets and improved public spaces, but in addition to Yu, at least three pedestrians have died in her district in 2013. To encourage Ferreras to take further action to improve street safety in her district and citywide, contact her at 718-651-1917, jferreras@council.nyc.gov or @JulissaFerreras.

Brad Aaron

Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York's dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.

Cui Ju Yu, 79, Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver in Corona

Stay in touch

More from Streetsblog New York City

Gotcha-Heimer! Anti-Congestion Pricing Jersey Rep. With a City Speeding Ticket Drove to Manhattan on Wednesday

Under Threat of Federal Suit (Again!), City Hall Promises Action on ‘Unacceptable’ Illegal Police Parking

Wednesday’s Headlines: Four for Fifth Edition

MTA Plan to Run Brooklyn-Queens Train on City Streets a ‘Grave’ Mistake: Advocates

Full Court Press by Mayor for Congestion Pricing Foe Randy Mastro