66-Year-Old Man in Critical Condition: A 66-year-old man remains in critical condition after being struck by a cyclist outside Carnegie Hall in Midtown Manhattan on Friday night, September 7, 2024. The incident occurred when the man, jaywalking with his wife, stepped into the path of an oncoming cyclist, according to video footage and eyewitness accounts.
Dashcam Footage Details
The accident, captured on dashcam footage reviewed by the Daily News, shows the couple crossing Seventh Ave., between W. 56th St. and Carnegie Hall. The footage reveals that the couple was jaywalking between two cars stopped at a traffic light. While the wife successfully crossed, the man was struck by the cyclist just before reaching the sidewalk.
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Eyewitness Accounts
Dereck Sansbury, the manager of the nearby Redeye Grill, witnessed the incident. He described the cyclist as riding a “fancy race bike” and attempting to avoid hitting the woman but ultimately colliding with the man.
Sansbury recounted, “The gentleman and his wife were jaywalking. The light changed as they tried to avoid a Tesla. The cyclist tried to dodge the woman, but he hit the man instead.”
Immediate Medical Response
After the collision, bystanders, including Sansbury and a nurse who happened to be nearby, rushed to assist the injured man. He had sustained a severe head injury, with blood pouring from a wound on his skull. CPR was administered by the nurse and the man’s wife when they realized he had no pulse.
According to Sansbury, the man “went down and cracked his head open on the pavement.” After several minutes of CPR, the injured man gasped for air, with Sansbury noting, “They brought him back to life. He disappeared for about thirty-five minutes.”
Cyclist’s Response and Investigation
The cyclist remained at the scene and expressed his relief that the incident had been recorded on video. Speaking to The Daily News, the cyclist stated, “They ran out into the street. The male came out after the woman did. I couldn’t avoid them. It was unavoidable.”
No charges have been filed, and the NYPD’s Highway Collision Investigation Squad is actively investigating the incident.
Conclusion
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of jaywalking, especially in high-traffic areas like Midtown Manhattan. The swift response from bystanders and medical professionals likely saved the man’s life, though he remains in critical condition at NY Presbyterian – Weill Cornell Hospital. As the investigation continues, authorities will seek to determine the full circumstances surrounding this accident.