Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Carnage

Erik Johnson, 24, First of Seven People Killed by NYC Drivers in Five Days

A young father struck while on his way to work was the first of at least seven people killed by New York City motorists since last Tuesday. Of the five crashes where the driver remained at the scene -- three in Manhattan, one in Staten Island, and one in Queens -- none were charged with a crime.

Erik Johnson. Photo via ##http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/flying-angel/111896##YouCaring.com##
Erik Johnson. Photo via ##http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/flying-angel/111896##YouCaring.com##
Erik Johnson. Photo via ##http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/flying-angel/111896##YouCaring.com##

Erik Johnson, 24, was crossing Rockaway Boulevard at Farmers Boulevard at around 6:19 a.m. on November 26 when he was hit by the driver of a Subaru Impreza, according to reports. An NYPD press notice published by Capital New York said Johnson, who was not immediately identified, suffered severe trauma to the head and body, and was pronounced dead on arrival at Jamaica Hospital. NYPD said the driver was traveling eastbound on Rockaway Boulevard as Johnson was crossing north to south, which would be in the direction of JFK Airport.

The NYPD notice was pasted into a story about a week-long motorist "ticket blitz," described by police as "part of the NYPD’s ongoing effort to decrease traffic infractions and conditions that cause death and injury to pedestrians."

An early report from DNAinfo said the driver who hit Johnson "was not expected to be charged with a crime." As of today NYPD said it does not appear that the driver was charged or summonsed. When we asked if police had information on driver speed or who had the right of way, a spokesperson said there is no indication that the victim was in a crosswalk.

The intersection of Rockaway Boulevard and Farmers Boulevard is a wide and foreboding asphalt hellscape, with sidewalks on the north side of Rockaway Boulevard only. There is one crosswalk, also on the north side, across Farmers Boulevard. There is no marked pedestrian crossing on Rockaway Boulevard, where Johnson was killed. If the crash unfolded as described by NYPD, a crucial piece of information would be whether or not the driver was proceeding with the signal.

The Queens Courier reported that Johnson was the father of two girls, ages three and one. An online fundraiser, where a photo of Johnson was posted, was established for funeral expenses.

Erik Johnson was killed in the City Council district represented by Donovan Richards, and in the 105th Precinct. As of October precinct officers had issued 265 speeding tickets in 2013, and 83 summonses for failure to yield to a pedestrian. According to the precinct web site the next community council meeting is the last Wednesday in January.

Six others in addition to Johnson were reported killed by motorists while walking and biking in the city in five days last week.

At least 20 pedestrians and cyclists were killed by New York City drivers in November, according to crash data compiled by Streetsblog. Last month's toll was the highest number of victims since last January, when 20 people died while walking and biking.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

New Bill Would Block Apps From Deactivating Workers Without Cause

A Brooklyn Council member wants delivery app companies to be more human and less robot.

July 18, 2025

Friday Video: Is Berlin a Great Biking City?

Have recent moves by anti-bike, pro-car legislators ruined the experience in the capital of a unified Germany? Sort of!

July 18, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Meeker Avenue Bike Lane Is a Failure

The Department of Transportation still hasn't finished a critical bike lane under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway that the agency has been stalling for over four years even after identifying the strip's danger and lack of proper signals.

July 18, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Cuomo’s Road Rage Edition

Why does Andrew Cuomo drive so recklessly? Plus other news.

July 18, 2025

Fixing Third Ave. Was Once ‘Top of List’ For Eric Adams — But as Mayor He Backed Off

Mayor Adams has delayed a redesign of Brooklyn's Third Avenue despite once saying safety fixes there should be "at the top of our list."

July 17, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Jerry Nadler Edition

U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler faced off with Sean Duffy on Capitol Hill. Plus more news.

July 17, 2025
See all posts