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

Another Queens Pedestrian Killed in Crosswalk and Driver is Uncharged

File photo: Dave Colon

A pedestrian crossing deadly Roosevelt Avenue in Queens was run down and killed on Friday night by a driver racing to make a left turn before the light changed, police indicated.

Cops said the 70-year-old driver of a Ford van was heading southbound on 65th Street at around 8:45 a.m. when he attempted to turn onto Roosevelt before the green light turned red — but turned into Choekyi Norzom, 49, who was crossing directly in front of the unidentified driver as he made his rushed turn.

Cops found Norzom with severe trauma, and EMS took her to Elmhurst Hospital, where she died. The driver remained on the scene and was not charged, not even for a basic failure to yield violation.

The NYPD said the investigation is ongoing.

Roosevelt Avenue is one of the most dangerous roadways for pedestrians in central Queens, thanks to its elevated train and cars filling the curbside lanes, clogging the bus corridor.

City data show crashes at virtually every intersection this year. And since January, 2018, in just the Woodside and Jackson Heights portion of Roosevelt Avenue, there have been 469 reported crashes, injuring 38 cyclists, 47 pedestrians and 74 motorists, killing two pedestrians.

Screen Shot 2019-11-30 at 12.26.47 AM

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Testimony: Removing Bedford Ave. Bike Lane Will ‘Reduce Safety’

"Removing the protected bike lane won’t remove cyclists — it will only make the street less safe," the DOT said. "The city risks legal liability for knowingly reducing safety on a Vision Zero priority corridor."

June 30, 2025

Hochul Signs Speed Camera Reauthorization, Enforcement Continues Through 2030

Stating a clear fact that scores of state legislators reject, Hochul said, "Speed cameras save lives and keep New Yorkers safe."

June 30, 2025

Cyclists Tell Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo: The Bedford Ave. Bike Lane is a Lifesaver

A judge will decide the fate of the Bedford Avenue bike lane on Tuesday. Streetsblog offers some user affidavits.

June 30, 2025

DoorDash Lobbying Sunk Bill to Require Apps to Insure Delivery Workers

A secret memo from the rich app company described a simple insurance bill as "costly." And legislators fell into line.

June 30, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: City Hall Handshake Edition

The Department of Sustainable Delivery finally has funding ... but for what? Plus more news.

June 30, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Council Will Force Apps To Fund Safe E-Bikes for Workers

The City Council is set to pass a bill on Monday that will make app companies responsible for their workers using safe e-bikes.

June 27, 2025
See all posts