Brooklyn restaurant worker dies in hit-and-run incident while walking with son. Driver fled the scene without stopping.

A tragic hit-and-run incident occurred on the morning of June 22 in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, when a driver in a red Dodge Charger struck 42-year-old Pascual Tziquin as he was crossing the street with his son, Henry, 22. The impact was so severe that Tziquin’s cellphone became lodged in the vehicle’s grill. Witnesses state that around 3:20 a.m., Tziquin was crossing at the intersection of New Utrecht Avenue and 72nd Street, having just left the restaurant where he worked.

Henry, who was a few steps behind his father, recounted the harrowing moment. As he turned around upon hearing the crash, he saw his father lying on the asphalt, unconscious. Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, Tziquin suffered catastrophic head injuries and was rushed to Maimonides Medical Center. He was placed on life support but tragically succumbed to his injuries eight days later.

Following the incident, law enforcement officers quickly located the driver, identified as 21-year-old Christian Gonzalez, approximately seven blocks from the scene. Upon discovering Tziquin’s cellphone embedded in the grill of the Charger, authorities arrested Gonzalez. Initially charged with leaving the scene of an accident and improper lane changes, he has since been released following an arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court. Upgraded charges are anticipated now that Tziquin has passed away.

Pascual Tziquin and his son immigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala two years ago, with aspirations of building a better life. They often sent money back to family in Guatemala, emphasizing their dedication and hard work. Henry expressed the profound grief his family is experiencing. The loss of a father is irreplaceable, and now, he faces the added challenge of financially securing his father’s burial back in their home country.

As of the time of this incident, New York City has recorded 55 pedestrian fatalities this year, a slight decrease from 63 reported fatalities at the same point the previous year. This case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding pedestrian safety in urban environments and the devastating impact that reckless driving can have on families and communities. An investigation into this tragic incident remains ongoing as authorities continue to search for justice on behalf of the Tziquin family.