A 41-year-old father of two has died after being struck by a cyclist while walking through New York City’s Central Park on his way to work.
Rich O’Brien was hit at approximately 6:36 a.m. Wednesday near West 84th Street. He fell to the ground and died four days later from injuries sustained in the collision.
The New York City Police Department said O’Brien was struck by a 32-year-old man riding a pedal bike, People reported.
O’Brien, who had two daughters, aged eight and 12, suffered severe head trauma in the crash. The cyclist was thrown from his bicycle and sustained minor injuries.
Emergency responders took O’Brien to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition.
He died peacefully in the early hours of Sunday with his wife beside him, according to a GoFundMe campaign created for the grieving family.
‘Although our hearts are broken by this unimaginable loss, Richie’s legacy will live on. He was able to give the gift of life to others through organ donation, helping those in need even in his final moments,’ the fundraiser said.
The fundraiser described O’Brien as a loving husband and father who suffered a devastating brain injury while making his daily journey to work to support his family and provide his wife, Ronni, and daughters Kylie and Mia with the life they deserved.
Rich O’Brien, 41, was struck at about 6:36 a.m. Wednesday near the Metropolitan Museum and died four days later after falling to the ground
The father of two daughters, aged eight and 12, suffered severe head trauma in the collision, while the cyclist was thrown from his bike and received minor injuries
O’Brien died peacefully in the early hours of Sunday morning with his wife at his side
‘Richie is a proud Local 638 Steamfitter,’ the fundraiser noted.
Laura Sackler, who witnessed the crash, told NYC Streets Blog that the cyclist initially appeared shocked and confused before seeming to realize the seriousness of what had happened.
‘He was clearly emotionally devastated and at one point near tears,’ she said.
Sackler said O’Brien was knocked unconscious, suffered significant blood loss and never regained consciousness. She also said medical help took “an incredibly long time” to arrive.
Jenicia O’Brien, his sister-in-law, said the family was heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected death of her beloved brother-in-law.
She said O’Brien was deeply loved and cherished, adding that he would always hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew him.
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Ken O’Brien, a close relative, shared the family’s anguish in a message posted Monday: ‘Please someone wake me up from this nightmare.’
Felicia Hettrich, a longtime friend, wrote on Facebook that O’Brien was “the best person I have ever known.”
Witness Laura Sackler said the cyclist appeared shocked and confused, then seemed to react with disbelief; she described him as emotionally devastated and nearly in tears
O’Brien was ‘deeply loved, cherished and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of everyone who knew him,’ Jenicia O’Brien, the father’s sister-in-law, said
Felicia Hettrich, a longtime friend of O’Brien’s, said he was ‘the best person I have ever known’
‘I’ve known Rich since I was seven… The best father, husband and friend anyone could ever ask for. Rich and Ronni showed us all what true love is. His love for his daughters has set the bar for what a father should be,’ she said.
‘He taught us as friends that you show up, as he always has, and that you always finish your beer. Now it’s our turn to show up for him and his family.’
Another friend of over 30 years said he considered O’Brien as ‘a brother.’
‘There isn’t a better human being on this planet,’ Matt Hettrich wrote.
‘He’d drop what he was doing instantly if anyone needed help. I strive to be even half the husband, father, and friend that he is.’
Andrew Kozlowsky, another friend, said: ‘Words can not describe the devastation of this tragic accident.’
‘Rich is one of the best people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He is selfless, kind, funny, an amazing father, husband and to me a lifelong friend,’ he continued.
‘I have known and been friends with Rich for over 30 years and the stories and memories are countless. Rich was that one friend you could always rely on… I will forever miss you Rich.’
The ‘loving husband and father’ was said to have suffered a ‘devastating’ brain injury while on his way to work, as he did ‘every day to provide for his family and give his wife, Ronni, and their two daughters, Kylie and Mia, the life they deserve’
Ronni O’Brien had shared countless photos of their young family travelling across the world, and many of O’Brien lovingly posing with his daughters.
A funeral is set to be held on Friday in Port Jefferson Station.
The Daily Mail reached out to the New York City Police Department for comment.