2 women sought after 56-year-old man killed in hit-and-run in Queens
FLUSHING, Queens (WABC) -- A 56-year-old man is dead following a hit-and-run crash in Queens and police are searching for two women who fled the scene.
David Opiela was struck when two vehicles collided at Kissena Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway just before 12:30 a.m. Tuesday
A Honda Accord southbound on Kissena collided with U-Haul truck westbound on Horace Harding Expressway, officials said.
Video of the moments leading up to the crash shows that as the U-Haul was about to drive through the intersection, another car next to it comes to a stop -- indicating that the U-Haul truck may have run a red light.
After the crash, both vehicles jumped the curb. Opiela appears to have been crossing the street at the time and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 42-year-old driver of the Honda is recovering at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital.
The driver and front passenger of the U-Haul truck, both described as women, fled westbound on Kissena Boulevard. Both women were barefoot.
The truck was not stolen and police are working to now identify the women.
Those who knew Opiela are heartbroken.
"Good man, soft-spoken, didn't rob, steal, didn't hurt anyone...just minding his own business going home," close friend Michael Abbate said.
An ex-girlfriend of 30 years said he had a difficult life and lost several family members in a house fire, including a twin sister several years ago.
But they say he kept his head down an was doing his best to overcome his struggles.
Now loved ones are hoping for answers as police continue to investigate and search for the suspects.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the victim.
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