A tragic collision on New York City’s iconic Queensboro Bridge claimed the lives of two men during Thursday morning’s rush-hour commute, prompting an ongoing investigation by the New York City Police Department.
According to authorities, the crash occurred shortly after 8:20 a.m. on May 28 in the bridge’s bicycle lane. Investigators said a 39-year-old man operating a stand-up motorized scooter was traveling westbound when he collided head-on with a 35-year-old bicyclist who was traveling in the opposite direction. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene following multiple 911 calls reporting the serious crash.
Both riders suffered critical injuries and were transported by EMS to NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital. Despite life-saving efforts by medical personnel, both men were later pronounced dead. Authorities subsequently identified the victims as Francis Del Valle, 39, of New Jersey, and Dmytro Stechenko, 35, of Queens.
The fatal crash temporarily disrupted traffic along one of the city’s busiest commuter routes and drew a significant response from police and emergency crews. Detectives from the NYPD Collision Investigation Squad are leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The incident has renewed concerns about safety on the Queensboro Bridge’s dedicated cycling corridor, which carries thousands of cyclists and micromobility users daily. Transportation advocates noted that the bridge has experienced increasing volumes of bicycle and scooter traffic since the city separated pedestrian and cycling pathways in 2025.
Following the crash, transportation safety groups called for stricter enforcement against illegal high-speed micromobility devices. Advocacy organization Transportation Alternatives stated that the scooter involved was reportedly capable of traveling at speeds significantly above those permitted for legal e-scooters in New York. The group urged lawmakers to advance legislation aimed at restricting the sale of high-speed devices on city streets and bike paths.
Friends and loved ones of the victims expressed shock and grief as news of the collision spread throughout the day. One friend described Del Valle as a devoted husband and father whose death has devastated his family.
Officials have not announced whether any additional factors contributed to the crash, and investigators continue reviewing evidence and witness accounts. Anyone who may have observed the collision or possesses relevant information is encouraged to contact authorities as the investigation remains active.
