Queens Tragedy: Grandfather Killed by Wrong-Way Moped Driver
A 68-year-old grandfather was tragically struck by a wrong-way moped driver while crossing an intersection in Queens, just days before he was set to bring his daughter home for Christmas, according to family members.
Trevor Lloyd Samuels, a former correctional officer from Jamaica, lost his life after being hit by a reckless motorcyclist as he walked in a crosswalk on 93rd Street shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Friday, as reported by a New York City police spokesman.
The family is heartbroken over the incident.
“When we heard the knock, we thought he was coming home. We wondered, ‘Why is he knocking? He has the key,'” said Kievet Samuels, 45, his eldest daughter. “Opening the door and seeing the uniform was horrifying—I knew something was wrong right then.”
She described her reaction when informed of the accident: “I was like, ‘What the hell?’ I couldn’t believe it. It felt surreal, hearing it over and over.”
Authorities identified the moped driver as 26-year-old Yunio Brehe Rodriguez, who sustained minor injuries and stayed at the scene until police arrived.
Rodriguez has been charged with aggravated unauthorized operation, while the investigation continues.
Having moved to New York City about two decades ago, Samuels was preparing to fly to Jamaica on Tuesday to bring his youngest daughter, who is 17, back home for the holidays, his family noted.
Kievet Samuels expressed her despair, saying it feels impossible to celebrate Christmas without their cherished family member. “I have a Christmas tree, sitting in a box,” she mentioned. “I told my daughter I can’t even bring it out. The spirit just isn’t there. Plus, he would usually be right there. It feels empty now.”
She added that the loss weighs heavily on her daughter, who was particularly close to Samuels. “She keeps imagining him walking through the door,” Kievet shared. “He was so involved in their lives—always at graduations and other events. He really was a dedicated ‘girl’s father,’ and now that’s left behind.”
Kievet noted that Rodriguez is younger than her eldest son, which struck a chord with her. “He could have been my child,” she reflected. “I don’t think he meant to cause this tragedy, but still, going the wrong way— it just doesn’t sit well with me.”
