Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Off-Duty Cop Was Designated Driver in Fatal Crash
By
Jaya Saxena
Published May 18, 2010
Modified May 18, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jaya Saxena
Published May 18, 2010
Modified May 18, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
According to one survivor, NYPD Officer Hoyoung Kim was supposed to have been the designated driver, but was "slightly intoxicated" when he crashed on the Bronx River Parkway on Saturday, killing himself and another off-duty cop and injuring four passengers. Police say blood alcohol tests have not been completed, but are blaming the crash on "driver inattentiveness," saying Kim wasn't paying attention and realized he was about to pass his exit.
Police and Kim's precinct described him as "very squared away. Getting behind the wheel intoxicated was the last thing he would do." The four critically injured female passengers just learned of the Officers' deaths yesterday, and were devastated. The four are being treated for multiple fractures and broken bones at Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx, and two, Melina Ramirez and Iris Gomez-Ramirez, may lose the ability to walk.
Melina Ramirez's brother was also shocked at the lack of contact from the NYPD. He said, "Not one single person from the NYPD or the city has asked us how she's doing or showed concern," and her mom said, "The police haven't explained anything to me—only that my daughter survived but the officers died." The four survivors' lawyer, Kenneth Litman, said he would attempt to sue Kim's estate.
Tagged
bronx river parkway
car crash
drunk driving
fatal crash
nypd
police officers
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NJ early voting begins Saturday. Here's everything you need to know.
Our 2026 New Jersey voter’s guide for this year’s midterm elections.
By
Mike Hayes
Published Oct 23, 2026 at 11:01 a.m. ET
Countdown clocks are coming to an NYC bus stop near you
New York City bus service isn't exactly reliable, but new digital countdown clocks will give riders a better sense of how long they have to wait.
By
Stephen Nessen
News
Countdown clocks are coming to an NYC bus stop near you
New York City bus service isn't exactly reliable, but new digital countdown clocks will give riders a better sense of how long they have to wait.
By
Stephen Nessen
Are NJ schools unconstitutionally segregated? It's back to the courts to decide.
By
Colleen O'Dea
Early Addition: New Jersey considering a ban on chewing gum because of microplastics
By
James Ramsay
Queens mother charged with murdering her son after failed suicide attempt, NYPD says
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .