Bronx, NY (April 23, 2026) – A 72-year-old woman was killed, and a man was hurt after a driver lost control and struck two people sitting on a bench in the Co-Op City neighborhood of the Bronx on Wednesday, April 22, at approximately 1:30 p.m. The crash occurred at the intersection of Bartow Avenue and Co-Op City Boulevard.
Authorities say the 55-year-old driver of a red 2018 Mazda CX appears to have suffered a medical episode before losing control of the vehicle. The car then struck the two people on the bench. The 72-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 36-year-old man who was also on the bench suffered minor injuries. He was conscious and alert and taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition. The driver remained at the scene and was also reported to be in stable condition.
No arrests had been made at the time of this report. Authorities continue to investigate the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the woman who lost her life.
What Happens When a Medical Episode Causes a Crash in New York?
Crashes involving a medical episode behind the wheel present unique challenges for investigators and the public alike. Unlike a standard collision, these incidents may not involve any traffic violation or reckless behavior; the driver may have had no warning that a medical event was coming. In New York, when a medical condition is believed to have contributed to a crash, that factor becomes part of the official record and is reviewed alongside other evidence.
Pedestrians and people in public spaces near roadways face real risk when a vehicle leaves its travel path. Benches, sidewalks, and bus stops in dense urban areas like the Bronx are often just feet from active traffic lanes. When a car enters those spaces, the people there have no time to react and no protection from the impact.
