Two men—Jason Negron, 46, and Michael Saint-Hilaire, 35—were killed and three others were critically injured after a Mercedes SUV allegedly mounted the curb and struck pedestrians outside a barbershop on Amsterdam Avenue near W. 109th St. in Manhattan on May 15. The driver, 61-year-old Elvin Suarez, has been charged with manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter and DWI. Bystanders attempted to free people pinned under a vehicle and GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to support the victims' families. The NYPD says the crash does not appear intentional and the investigation is ongoing.
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Scene of the incident in New York City on May 15, 2026Credit: Kyle Mazza/Shutterstock
Two men were killed and three others were critically injured when a Mercedes SUV allegedly mounted the curb and struck pedestrians on Amsterdam Avenue near West 109th Street in Manhattan on the evening of May 15.
What Happened
Authorities say 61-year-old Elvin Suarez was driving on Amsterdam Avenue at about 6:00 p.m. when he collided with a parked vehicle, setting off a chain reaction with nearby cars. The Mercedes then reportedly climbed the curb and struck multiple people who were gathered outside a barbershop, according to local news reports.
Police tape near the scene of the crash in New York City on May 15, 2026Credit: Kyle Mazza/Shutterstock
Victims
The two men who died were identified as Jason Negron, 46, and Michael Saint-Hilaire, 35. Three other men, reported to be between the ages of 36 and 52, were rushed to hospital in critical condition. Negron is survived by his wife and two daughters; Saint-Hilaire leaves three young children.
Witnesses and Rescue Efforts
Residents told reporters the group had been sitting on folding chairs outside a neighborhood barbershop when the vehicle struck them. Bystanders were filmed trying to lift a vehicle to free a person pinned underneath, and others began administering aid.
Scene of the crash in New York City on May 15, 2026Credit: Kyle Mazza/Shutterstock
"He was just swerving, driving really fast, and then he drove up over the median. We saw the car go up in the air and come down and land on everybody," witness Eva Santiago told CBS News.
Retired EMT Janice Diaz described seeing three bodies and performing CPR on one unconscious man, calling for others to help and to contact emergency services.
Charges and Investigation
Law enforcement officials said the crash did not appear to be intentional. Suarez has been charged with manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated, and the incident remains under investigation.
Community Response
GoFundMe pages have been set up to support the families of Negron and Saint-Hilaire. Negron's fundraiser notes his long service as a doorman and his ties to the local building and neighborhood; Saint-Hilaire's page describes him as a devoted father and friend. The NYPD also warned drivers to expect heavy traffic and an active emergency response near West 109th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
Note: People reported on the incident and outlets say they reached out to the NYPD and GoFundMe for comment.
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