Brooklyn father of two dies in scooter accident while commuting to work, according to his wife.

A tragic accident in Marine Park, Brooklyn, has led to the untimely death of Ilya Perloff, a 41-year-old physical therapist. Perloff was riding his electric standup scooter on Sunday morning when he collided with a 2015 Toyota Sienna minivan. Authorities reported that he was traveling west on Fillmore Avenue at approximately 11:50 a.m. as the minivan headed north on East 38th Street. The impact of the collision resulted in Perloff being thrown into a parked minivan. Emergency services transported him to Mount Sinai Brooklyn, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The shocking news of Perloff’s death reached his wife, Melissa, as she was driving their two young daughters to a Chanukah celebration on Long Island. She was on a speakerphone call with the police when she learned of her husband’s serious injuries, prompting her to pull over to address the situation with her children. Following the call, Melissa was able to take her daughters to her parents’ home before returning to Brooklyn, where she received the devastating confirmation of his death.

Melissa Perloff described her husband as someone who preferred the practicality of a scooter for commuting and had resisted the idea of acquiring a second vehicle for their family. Instead, he embraced the freedom that came with riding his scooter to work each day. A dedicated father and a hands-on participant in parenting, Ilya was described as the calm presence in their household, often helping to ease Melissa’s anxiety while being actively involved in caring for their daughters.

In light of their profound loss, friends of the Perloff family have initiated a GoFundMe campaign, which has garnered significant support, raising over ,000 to assist the family during this challenging time. The emotional toll of losing Ilya is immense, especially for their children. Melissa expressed her concerns about raising their daughters without their father, articulating the challenges ahead as they navigate loss and grief together.

Ilya Perloff, originally from Moscow, was known to have a passion for jet skiing and enjoyed spending time near the water. His eldest daughter has been particularly affected by his absence, spending time gazing at the water from their family home—an area that held many cherished memories of her father.

This tragic incident not only highlights the dangers faced by those commuting on scooters in urban environments but also underscores the devastating impact that such accidents can have on families and communities.