Filmmaker’s father dies in car accident, mirroring his son’s tragic death in a separate Brooklyn crash.

A tragic incident in Brooklyn has claimed the life of 34-year-old filmmaker Arturo Báez Cordero, who was struck and killed by a driver who ran a red light. This incident has taken on a heartbreaking significance as Báez Cordero was the son of renowned Dominican documentarian Fernando Báez Mella, who similarly died in a car accident seven years ago, according to various reports.

Báez Cordero, the offspring of the celebrated filmmaker and singer María Cordero, had established his career in filmmaking, co-owning Unicornio Films. He later founded a production company in New Jersey with his actress wife, Lia Lizardo. Colleagues and friends have mourned the loss of a talented individual whose life was filled with aspirations that were unfortunately cut short. Family friends spoke of his ambition and dedication to his craft, emphasizing the loss felt by those who knew him.

Fernando Báez Mella, who passed away at the age of 61 in July 2018 while traveling to his vacation home, was a key figure in the Dominican film industry. His legacy includes directing several significant documentaries and films, including the country’s 2017 Oscar entry, “Flor de Azucar”. Báez Cordero continued this legacy, working with various notable clients like Sony Music and Reebok, and he was committed to using film as a medium for social advocacy, as stated on his production company’s website.

The tragic event occurred on September 14, 2025, in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Driver Alexey Ivanov, 38, was reportedly driving with his family when he ran a red light, colliding with Báez Cordero’s vehicle at approximately 6:25 p.m. Witnesses reported that Ivanov admitted to police that he had chosen to accelerate despite the traffic signal. Following the collision, Báez Cordero’s vehicle was propelled into a nearby Dodge Dakota and subsequently caught fire, necessitating rescue efforts by emergency responders.

Báez Cordero was rushed to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 7 p.m. Ivanov was arrested at the scene following an altercation with police, during which he allegedly assaulted an officer. He faces multiple serious charges, including manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. He was subsequently arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court and held on bail.

The tragic death of Báez Cordero has incited widespread mourning across his native Dominican Republic, with public figures, including former President Leonel Fernandez, extending condolences to the family. Friends and colleagues have memorialized him on social media, recalling his gentle spirit and vibrant talent.

Báez Cordero’s untimely demise raises concerns about road safety and the impact of reckless driving, reflecting broader societal issues that demand collective attention. His contributions to film and the arts, however brief, will not be forgotten as the community remembers a promising talent lost too early.