A Harlem construction worker who died while repairing the Washington Bridge was the “sole breadwinner” for his wife and 1-year-old daughter, grieving family friends wrote on social media.
Herb Henry Alesna, 41, of Maspeth, Queens, was killed on August 2 when he was hit by an SUV that veered into a closed lane during construction on a bridge connecting Harlem and the Bronx, according to a GoFundMe page set up by childhood friends of Alesna’s wife.
“We read and see stories like these and never think it would happen to a loved one, but it did,” the GoFundMe page states.
“Henry passed away far too soon and leaves behind his wife, Eva, and their one-year-old daughter, Kaia, who just celebrated her first birthday in March of this year. We want to at least ease the financial burden on Eva and Kaia, as no amount of money can bring Henry back to us.”
The fundraiser has raised more than $30,000 of its $100,000 goal, and according to the page, all donations will go towards childcare costs, Kaia’s education, and living expenses.
Eva’s friends described Alesna as a “proud” member of the Filipino community, a devout Catholic and a yes man who “would do anything.”
“He was the type of person who immediately put you at ease because he had a genuine, pure and sincere energy,” the GoFundMe page states. “He made friends wherever he went and always treated everyone with kindness and love.”
The fatal crash occurred around 10:20 p.m., when a 35-year-old driver of a 2018 Dodge Durango was traveling westbound in the right lane of the bridge when he changed lanes and struck a 2015 Toyota Highlander SUV in the left lane.
The Dodge then veered back into the right lane, which had been closed for repairs, and struck a parked 2010 International construction truck and Alesna, who was standing outside his vehicle.
The driver of the Dodge and the 36-year-old driver of the Toyota were not injured, police said.
No charges have been filed to date, and the investigation by the New York City Police Department’s Highway Division’s Crash Investigation Unit remains ongoing.
“Simply trying to come to terms with the nightmare that Kaia will never see her daddy and the reality that my soul has been completely ripped from my body,” Eva wrote on social media two days after the fatal accident.
“Gone are 10 years of true happiness, love and trying to build a future. Your smile and memories will stay with us forever, baby. You are truly loved and we will miss you.”
