Daniel Hyden, a 44-year-old man from Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, has been identified as the driver involved in a tragic incident on the 4th of July at Corlears Hook Park in Manhattan, New York City. Authorities report that Hyden was intoxicated when he crashed into a crowd of people celebrating the holiday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to several others. The victims have been identified as 59-year-old Lucille Pinkney, her son 38-year-old Hernan Pinkney, and 43-year-old Ana Morel.
Hyden has been charged with multiple counts of driving under the influence and driving without a license. It’s worth noting that Hyden is a former police officer, US Army veteran, and a substance-abuse counselor who has written a book about addiction and preventing unnecessary deaths. This incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many demanding justice.
Friends and relatives of the victims gave him the finger and shouted
“coward” and “eat shit, you asshole!”
Daniel Hyden. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Mid-Island, NY. August 7, 2024. Content unknown. SEALED
Comprehensive Report on Daniel Hyden
Background
Daniel Christopher Hyden, 44, is a former police officer and US Army veteran from Monmouth Junction, New Jersey. He has also worked as a substance-abuse counselor and authored a book on addiction and preventing unnecessary deaths.
Incident Overview
On the night of July 4, 2024, Daniel Hyden was involved in a tragic incident at Corlears Hook Park on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City. Hyden was reportedly driving his Ford F-150 when he allegedly sped through a stop sign at the intersection of Water and Cherry streets, went onto the sidewalk, and crashed into a crowd of people celebrating the Fourth of July. The crash resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to several others.
Victims
The victims of the crash were identified as follows:
Lucille Pinkney, 59
Hernan Pinkney, 38 (Lucille’s son)
Ana Morel, 43
In addition to the fatalities, several other people were injured, including four who were seriously hurt. Two of the injured were children.
After Daniel Hyden crashed his vehicle into the crowd at Corlears Hook Park on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the scene quickly turned chaotic. Witnesses reported that a “mob” of predominantly black people pulled Hyden out of his vehicle and began beating him. The crowd was understandably enraged and horrified by the incident, which had resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
Key Details:
Immediate Reaction: As the victims lay pinned under Hyden’s pickup truck, the crowd’s immediate reaction was to pull him out of the vehicle and physically assault him.
Intervention: Fire Department of New York (FDNY) members arrived on the scene and intervened, pulling the group off Hyden while others worked to extract the pinned victims.
Witness Accounts: Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and emotionally charged. Juan Roman, a witness, mentioned that the image of the incident would not leave him anytime soon.
The crowd’s reaction highlights the intense emotions and shock experienced by those present at the scene. The intervention by FDNY members helped to prevent further harm to Hyden while ensuring that the victims received the necessary assistance.
Legal Proceedings
Daniel Hyden has been charged with multiple counts of driving while under the influence and driving without a license. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in a courtroom packed with the victims’ friends and relatives. The charges against him include murder, as authorities allege that he was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Community Impact
The incident has had a profound impact on the community. A memorial was set up near the scene of the crash, and community members have expressed their grief and anger. Tamara Velasquez, a neighbor who witnessed the crash, described the Pinkneys as “family” to everyone in the neighborhood. The community has called for justice and urged NYC Mayor Eric Adams to take positive action in response to the tragedy.
Conclusion
The case of Daniel Hyden is a tragic example of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains united in their demand for justice for the victims and their families.
Daniel Hyden’s Background
Early Life and Career
Daniel Christopher Hyden, 44, hails from Monmouth Junction, New Jersey. He has a diverse background, having served as a police officer in Georgia and as a US Army veteran. His experiences in the military and law enforcement have shaped his perspective on life and his approach to helping others.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Hyden worked as a substance abuse counselor and was most recently employed in residential treatment programs in Manhattan. His mission was to use his lifelong experience with addiction to teach addicts how to save themselves and achieve long-term recovery. He was also an instructor, public speaker, and wellness advocate.
Author
In 2020, Hyden published a book titled The Sober Addict: A Guide on How to Be Functional with the Dysfunctional Disease of Addiction. The book offers unconventional ways to combat addiction and provides practical strategies for managing the disease.
Personal Struggles
Despite his professional achievements, Hyden battled with alcoholism, which made it difficult for him to maintain steady employment. His struggle with addiction is a central theme in his book and his work as a counselor.
Daniel Hyden’s life is a complex mix of professional dedication to helping others and personal struggles with addiction. His recent actions have brought significant attention to the consequences of driving under the influence and the importance of addressing addiction effectively.
VIDEO: Suspected drunk driver plows into July Fourth crowd in NYC, killing 3: Police | https://youtu.be/DdKILj1kEy4
VIDEO: Daniel Hyden, suspect in Lower East Side crash that killed 3, charged with manslaughter | https://youtu.be/GExbqhEw6sw
Archiving Protocol:
• Handled with White Gloves ab initio
• Photo Pages/Sheet Protectors: Heavyweight Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free & Archival Safe, 8.5 × 11, Top Load
• White Backing Board – Acid Free
Shipping/Packaging: Rigid Mailer 9.5 × 12.5. White, self seal, stay flat, Kraft cardboard, no bend. Each rigid mailer is made of heavy cardboard, which has strong resistance to bending and tearing. Thicker that the USPS mailers. Shipping cost never more than it absolutely has to be to get it from me to you.