A Jamaican-born grandfather was killed by a moped driver in Queens, just days before he was scheduled to return home to Jamaica.
Police say the crash happened on Friday evening in Jamaica, Queens, at the intersection of 93rd Avenue and 168th Street. The victim, 68-year-old Trevor Lloyd Samuels, was crossing in a marked crosswalk when he was struck.
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His daughter, Kievette Samuels, said officers arrived at her home with the news that shattered her world.
“When I heard it was head trauma, I was angry,” she said. “This person hit my dad and took away one of the best brains anyone could ever want. I ran downstairs screaming. I haven’t slept. My body is tired. I’m hungry, but I don’t want to eat.”
Samuels suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he later died.
The moped driver, 26-year-old Yunior Rodriguez, was also injured and remained at the scene. He was taken to Queens Hospital, where he was arrested and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
“Do I despise what he has done to me and my family? Yes, I do,” his daughter said.
Loved ones described Samuels as a hardworking family man who built a life in the United States after migrating from Jamaica several years ago. He most recently worked as a home health aide, but spent nearly four decades as a correctional officer in Jamaica.
“He was a correctional officer back home for almost 40 years — 37 years,” his daughter said. “He had stories for days.”
Neighbors said they saw him just a few days before the crash.
Samuels leaves behind five children and five grandchildren, who are now trying to process their grief and find a path to forgiveness during what was meant to be a joyful holiday season.
