A traffic collision on Staten Island resulted in the deaths of 6-year-old Anheli Vasquez-Trinidad and 90-year-old Gerardo Avila. The NYPD reported that the accident occurred last Friday morning at the intersection of Rockland Avenue and Forest Hill Road. Anheli died from her injuries on Sunday. Gothamist reported that she was in a Honda with two other passengers when it collided with an Audi Q5.
The 70-year-old woman in the Honda remains in critical but stable condition, while the 50-year-old driver of the Audi is reported to be in stable condition. The NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad is continuing its investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident. Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with the crash.
Following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was created to support the Vasquez-Trinidad family. The fundraiser notes the family was unprepared for the financial challenges of covering Anheli’s funeral, SILive stated. The campaign has a goal of $24,000 and had raised nearly $8,000 at the time of this report.
On the day of the crash, the Audi, driven by the 50-year-old man, was attempting a left turn onto Forest Hill Road while traveling west on Rockland Avenue. The Honda, operated by the 70-year-old woman and carrying Avila and Anheli, was traveling in the opposite direction. Both vehicles sustained severe front-end damage. An FDNY spokesperson reported that the adults suffered serious injuries, and a fifth person left the scene before EMS could evaluate them. Details regarding possible causes of the crash, including speeding or traffic signal violations, have not been released as the investigation continues.
