New York City, New York — A 15-year-old girl was fatally struck by a commercial truck while riding a bicycle with another teenager in Manhattan, prompting an emotional candlelight vigil where friends, family members and community members gathered to remember her.
The crash happened at around 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the intersection of East 14th Street and First Avenue in Manhattan’s East Village, according to the New York Police Department.
Police said a vehicle belonging to excavation company Badger Infrastructure Solutions was traveling westbound on East 14th Street and attempting to turn right onto First Avenue when it struck two teenagers traveling together on a bicycle.
Teen Passenger Dies After Manhattan Collision
The two teenagers were both injured in the collision, but the extent of their injuries was different.
The 16-year-old girl who was steering the bicycle suffered a leg injury and was taken to a hospital, according to the NYPD. The bicycle appeared to be a Citi Bike in footage shared by ABC7 Eyewitness News.
The passenger was later identified as 15-year-old Daria Serkov. Police said Serkov suffered severe trauma to her body and was pronounced dead following the crash.
The driver of the commercial truck, identified by police only as a 57-year-old man, was not injured. He remained at the scene after the collision as authorities responded.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
Candlelight Vigil Brings Teenagers and Neighbors Together
Hours after the deadly collision, dozens of people gathered near the intersection where Serkov lost her life.
The candlelight vigil brought together teenagers, community members and others who knew Serkov, with mourners placing candles, flowers and photographs near the crash site.
Videos from the gathering showed people crying, embracing one another and offering support as they remembered the teenager.
Chris Janssen, who organized the vigil, spoke about the importance of bringing young people together following the tragedy.
“She was just 15,” Chris Janssen, who organized the vigil, told reporters. “These kids just need to be together.”
The gathering reflected the shock felt by those who knew Serkov and by others in the neighborhood who came to pay their respects.
Family Was Together Just Hours Before Tragedy
Janssen also described the devastating moment the family learned what had happened.
While speaking with reporters, she recalled that she had been having dinner with Serkov’s family before receiving news of the crash.
“We were all together having dinner last night and playing games, and everybody was there except for Daria, and then we got the call later that night,” she said. “It was just surreal.”
Janssen said Serkov’s family was facing an especially difficult loss because the teenager had a twin sister.
“This is a parent’s worst nightmare and she’s got a twin sister that’s having a real… it’s hard. It’s very hard,” she continued. “There was a crew of us that went to the hospital with the mom and her sister and we were there until about 3:30 this morning.”
Her comments highlighted the devastating impact the crash has had on Serkov’s family and the people who surrounded them in the hours after her death.
Company Says It Is Cooperating With Investigation
Badger Infrastructure Solutions, whose vehicle was involved in the collision, also addressed the tragedy.
A company spokesperson expressed condolences to Serkov’s family and friends while acknowledging the seriousness of the crash.
“We are devastated by the loss of this young life and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends,” the spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted, and we are grateful to the emergency responders who provided care and assistance at the scene.”
The company also said it is “fully cooperating with the NYPD and other authorities as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.”
As the investigation continues, Serkov’s loved ones and members of the East Village community are left mourning a teenager whose life ended suddenly.
The candles, flowers and photographs placed near the intersection now serve as a memorial for the 15-year-old as those who knew her try to cope with the loss.
What message would you like to share with Daria Serkov’s family and friends during this difficult time? Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below.