Bicyclist Dies of Injuries After Being Hit by SUV’s Door

HARLEM, NY- According to beta.nydailynews.com, 57-year-old Juan Pacheco has died from injuries he received on Friday, April 20, 2018, when he was struck by the door of an SUV as he rode his bike through Harlem. Pacheco worked for El Porton Mexican Cuisine as a cook and delivery man. The accident occurred on LaSalle Street, not far from where Pacheco worked.*

The 40-year-old driver of a Nissan Quest opened his door abruptly and Pacheco slammed into the door and was tossed from his bicycle and into the road.

Pacheco was brought to Mount Sinai-St. Luke’s Hospital where he was reported to be in critical condition. On Monday a statement was released saying that he had died as a result of the injuries.

According to the manager of the restaurant where the cyclist worked, Rafael Merlin, Pacheco always wore a helmet when biking. Merlin rushed to the scene of the accident when he heard what had happened. The manager expressed his sadness saying that Pacheco had been like family.

Pacheco was the father of 3 adult boys. Jose Reyes, Pacheco’s brother-in-law said that the situation was very sad and that Pacheco “didn’t drink, he only worked.”

The driver of the Nissan Quest had a child with him at the time of the accident.

Police do not expect any arrests to result from the tragedy.

Many cyclists have been killed by being hit by the door of a parked vehicle. This event which is sometimes referred to as a “door prize,” or as being “doored,” is the most common form of bicycle-car collision in Santa Barbara and has cost numerous cyclists their lives in many cities, including NYC.

Cyclists are more likely to be hit by a parked car’s door than they are to be hit by a moving car that is traveling behind them and can see them.

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