The suspected drunk driver who crashed a truck into a crowd during Independence Day celebrations in New York City on Thursday, killing three people and injuring eight, is also a health advocate and substance abuse counselor, police said.
Police said suspect Daniel Hyden, 44, of New Jersey, was driving a Ford F-150 pickup truck at a high rate of speed when he ran a stop sign at an intersection, drove onto the sidewalk and struck a group of people enjoying an evening at Corey’s Hook Park on the Lower East Side around 9 p.m.
A holiday celebration turned deadly in horrific circumstances, with three people confirmed dead to date: 59-year-old Lucille Pinckney, her son Hernan Pinckney, 38, and one unidentified woman.
At least two killed, several injured after pickup truck crashes into crowd in New York
An arrest warrant photo of Daniel Christopher Hayden, who police say crashed his truck into a park on July 4, 2024, killing three people. (New York Police Department)
Eight other victims were injured, including an 11-year-old child.
“Upon arriving on scene, responding officers smelled an odor of alcohol,” NYPD Commissioner Jeffrey Madeley said at a late-night police briefing. “There were individuals on scene who grabbed the driver and removed him to prevent him from leaving.”
So far, Hyden has been charged with three counts of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and one count of driving without a license, with several more charges expected to come into effect.
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The photo was taken after a truck allegedly driven by Daniel Hyden crashed into a park in Manhattan, New York City on July 4, 2024, killing three people. (Peter Gerber)
Hyden has reportedly written a book called “The Sober Addict,” which he claims is a guide on “how to successfully live with the dysfunctional disease of addiction.”
“This guide will help you learn how to live with a chronic, dysfunctional illness,” the book description on Amazon reads.
Hyden’s Amazon author profile lists him as a substance abuse counselor, instructor and speaker. New York Post We were the first to report that the suspect in the case had written the book.
When firefighters arrived on scene, they found four victims, three of whom were killed and had been crushed under the truck.
“Firefighters used airbags, floor jacks and props to lift the vehicle with the victim inside,” FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Myers said at a news conference.
Video from the scene showed the front of the truck smashed open, with several park benches placed around it and empty cups and other debris strewn across the floor.
On the left is Lucille Pinckney, and on the right is her son Hernan Pinckney, who was killed when he was hit by a truck. (Obtained by Robert Moses via Fox 5)
FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Myers speaks at a press conference. (Benny Polatzek/Mayor’s Photo Office)
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams also spoke to media, saying the victims were simply out celebrating when the deadly incident occurred.
“We had a tragic incident here,” Adams said, “where a driver drove into a crowd of people who were just celebrating, just like so many New Yorkers and Americans are doing right now.”
He said the incident was not related to terrorism.
Fox News’ Alexis McAdams and CB Cotton contributed to this report.
