27-year-old Queens man dies 10 days after being struck by hit-and-run minivan driver.

A tragic incident occurred in Queens last week, culminating in the death of a 27-year-old man after a protracted struggle for life following a hit-and-run accident. Police reports indicate that Juan Gutierrez-Ajpacaja was critically injured on October 5 while crossing an intersection in Jamaica, New York.

At approximately 2:50 a.m., Gutierrez-Ajpacaja was navigating the eastbound lane at the intersection of Hillside Avenue and 170th Street when he was struck by a minivan driving east on Hillside Avenue. The vehicle, described as dark-colored, did not stop following the impact and the driver has yet to be identified by law enforcement authorities.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded promptly to the scene, transporting Gutierrez-Ajpacaja to Jamaica Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries ten days later, on October 15.

This unfortunate event underscores the ongoing concerns surrounding pedestrian safety in urban areas and the implications of hit-and-run accidents. Gutierrez-Ajpacaja was reported to have lived about a mile away from the site of the accident, highlighting the potential everyday risks faced by residents in the area.

As police continue their investigation into this incident, the focus remains on finding the responsible driver who fled the scene. The community is urged to come forward with any information that may lead to uncovering the identity of the individual involved in this tragic event. Authorities have emphasized the importance of accountability in hit-and-run cases, as they not only impact the victims but also have wider implications for public safety.

As questions surrounding this incident linger, discussions regarding pedestrian protection measures, driver accountability, and city planning for safer streets are likely to gain traction among community leaders and residents alike. Ensuring the safety of pedestrians is paramount, and incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities present on city streets.

In light of Gutierrez-Ajpacaja’s tragic passing, there is a growing call to action for increased awareness and enforcement of traffic laws to help prevent similar accidents in the future. The community stands united in seeking justice for the victim and ensuring such tragedies do not happen again.

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