A tragic early morning crash in East Elmhurst, Queens, has left a 23-year-old man dead and an off-duty New York City firefighter facing serious charges, including driving while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter. The incident, which occurred around 4:15 a.m. on Wednesday, has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the fragility of life.
Justin Diaz, a ramp agent at Delta Airlines’ LaGuardia Hub, was on his way to work when his life was abruptly cut short. Driving a 2022 BMW northbound on 107th Street, Diaz was struck by a 2015 Mercedes that ran a red light at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and 107th Street. The driver of the Mercedes, a 28-year-old off-duty firefighter with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), was traveling at high speed when he T-boned Diaz’s vehicle. The impact was so severe that Diaz’s BMW was sent careening down the street, colliding with a parked car before coming to a stop. The roof of the BMW was ripped off, and the driver’s side door was completely crushed, a grim testament to the force of the collision.
Emergency responders rushed Diaz to Elmhurst Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Mercedes remained at the scene and reportedly checked on Diaz but received no response. Authorities quickly determined that the off-duty firefighter was intoxicated at the time of the crash. He was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated (DWI), and refusal to take a breathalyzer test. The 28-year-old, who is assigned to Engine 304 in Queens, has been suspended without pay for 28 days pending further investigation.
The news of Diaz’s death has left his family, friends, and colleagues heartbroken. Described as a hardworking and dedicated young man, Diaz was known for his positive attitude and commitment to his job at Delta Airlines. His sudden and tragic loss has left a void in the lives of those who knew him. In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support the Diaz family with funeral expenses and other costs. The campaign, initially aiming to raise $10,000, has surpassed its goal, garnering $14,191 at the time of this report. The outpouring of support underscores the impact Diaz had on his community and the collective grief felt by those who knew him.
This incident has also reignited conversations about the dangers of impaired driving and the responsibilities of those entrusted with public safety. The fact that the accused is an off-duty firefighter, a profession dedicated to saving lives, has added a layer of complexity and disappointment to the case. While the FDNY has taken swift action by suspending the individual without pay, the incident raises questions about accountability and the need for stricter enforcement of DWI laws.
The crash site on Northern Boulevard, a busy thoroughfare in Queens, has become a somber reminder of the tragedy. Local residents and commuters have expressed their sorrow and frustration, calling for increased safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Northern Boulevard has long been known for its heavy traffic and frequent accidents, prompting calls for improved traffic signals, enhanced law enforcement presence, and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of drunk driving.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on honoring Justin Diaz’s memory and supporting his grieving family. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the irreversible consequences of impaired driving and the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel. For now, the community mourns the loss of a young life cut short, while grappling with the sobering reality that such incidents are entirely preventable.