Street renamed for Justin Diaz killed in car crash involving former firefighter in Queens

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Street renamed for recent college graduate killed in violent crash

CORONA, Queens (WABC) -- Family, friends and community members gathered on Saturday morning to honor a young man killed in a deadly car crash in Queens.

A street renaming ceremony was held at the corner of 107th Street and Northern Boulevard in honor of 23-year-old Justin Diaz.

The street is being renamed to "Justin Diaz Way."

The 23-year-old died after prosecutors say former firefighter Michael Peña was allegedly drunk and high when he sped through a red light and slammed into Diaz's car in February.

In April, Peña pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and DWI charges.

Officials say the 23-year-old was just a block-and-a-half from his family's home on his way to an early morning shift at LaGuardia Airport during the time of the crash.

Diaz had just graduated from Vaughn College with a degree in aeronautics, and loved ones say he had a passion for aviation. Diaz received his college degree in the mail on the day on his wake.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Ex-firefighter accused of DWI, speeding in fatal crash sent to jail

Anthony Carlo reports from outside Queens Criminal Court.

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