Antonio Smit-Ortiz Obituary, Death – A tragic hit-and-run incident in South Ozone Park on the night of Tuesday, June 10, claimed the life of a moped rider from Ozone Park. According to the NYPD, the fatal collision happened during a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles, with the initial driver fleeing the scene.
Police officers from the 106th Precinct responded to a 911 call shortly after 10 p.m. reporting a crash at the intersection of 121st Street and 149th Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man lying injured in the roadway. Emergency medical services quickly arrived and transported the victim to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Following an investigation by the NYPD Highway District Collision Investigation Squad, it was determined that the victim, a 25-year-old man, had been riding a 2015 Honda PCX150 moped. He was reportedly traveling westbound in the eastbound lane when he was hit by an unidentified vehicle. The force of the collision pushed the moped into a parked, unoccupied 2015 Ford Transit 350 van, causing additional damage. The initial vehicle responsible for the crash fled the scene without stopping.
Authorities later identified the deceased as Antonio Smit-Ortiz, a resident of Silver Road, located just over two miles from the site of the collision. His untimely death has left the local community in shock and mourning.
At this time, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. Detectives from the NYPD Collision Investigation Squad continue working to identify the vehicle and driver involved in the hit-and-run. Surveillance footage from the area is likely being reviewed, and police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in locating the suspect.
The NYPD is urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has knowledge of the case to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish-speaking individuals can call 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at the Crime Stoppers website (crimestoppers.nypdonline.org) or through the NYPD Tips account on X, formerly known as Twitter, @NYPDTips. All information provided will be kept confidential.
This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and the serious consequences of fleeing a crash scene. Authorities stress the importance of remaining at the scene of any accident and cooperating with law enforcement to ensure justice and accountability.
As investigators continue to gather evidence, the family and friends of Antonio Smit-Ortiz are left to grieve the loss of a young man whose life ended far too soon. Community members are encouraged to come forward with any information that could help bring closure to this case.