Giving was truly in his nature.
The widow of a former NYPD officer, who lost his life due to a drunk hit-and-run driver, organized a blood drive in his honor on Tuesday.
Eileen Tzakos, his widow, shared, “My husband was an avid blood donor, and I think that’s something he would have wanted to do for others. It really was in his character—he always gave his time and his blood.”
Detective Anastasios Tzakos, father of two, tragically died on April 27, 2021, after being struck by Jessica Boweiss, who was driving under the influence on the Long Island Expressway in Queens.
Prosecutors indicated that Boweiss, 34, was heavily impaired, reportedly having a blood alcohol content nearly double the legal limit when she collided with Tzakos while he was assisting at the accident scene around 2 a.m.
Just hours before, Boweiss had appeared on a live podcast where she was seen drinking and expressing anti-police sentiments. This was, perhaps, an alarming aspect of her wavering attitude.
The judge ultimately sentenced Boweiss to 27 years in prison. Following his death, Tzakos was promoted to detective.
“What we experienced was incredibly tough,” Eileen reflected.
She added, “We’re attempting to move forward with our lives. It’s a process, but we’re starting to heal.”
With her son now seven and her daughter just ten, she emphasized, “This is about honoring his memory with those who knew him, and helping save others in the process. It’s truly a celebration of his life.”
