Full Breakdown
Fatal Hit-and-Run in Midtown Manhattan: A Tragic Incident Involving German Tourists
9/25/2025, 8:08:36 PM
Incident Overview
On September 24, 2025, a tragic hit-and-run incident occurred in Midtown Manhattan, resulting in the death of a 50-year-old German tourist, Alexandra Sabine Lewalter Maric, and critically injuring her 55-year-old husband. The couple was crossing East 40th Street at Fifth Avenue around 2:40 p.m. when a minivan driver, identified as 40-year-old Mohammed Abouzaid from the Bronx, reversed at high speed, pinning them against a box truck. The couple had the right of way in the crosswalk.
Victims and Immediate Aftermath
Witnesses reported a horrific scene, with Maric pronounced dead at the scene, while her husband suffered a skull fracture and was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he is in stable condition. Eyewitness accounts described the couple being "sandwiched" between the minivan and the box truck, with graphic details of the aftermath, including visible blood and the couple's desperate situation.
Driver's Actions and Arrest
After the collision, Abouzaid fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter at West 38th Street and Eighth Avenue, just a few blocks away. He was charged with leaving the scene of an incident causing death and failure to yield to a pedestrian. Upon his arrest, Abouzaid reportedly denied hitting anyone. The minivan he was driving bore a novelty license plate reading "TIMES SQUARE" and had a Mississippi tag.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses described the incident as shocking and traumatic. Rosa Paredes, who was operating an ice cream truck nearby, recounted the moment the minivan reversed into the couple, stating, “It was mucho rapido... they were sandwiched, crushed.” Another witness noted the chaotic scene, with the husband reaching out to his deceased wife as he lay injured on the ground.
Official Statements
The NYPD's Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is conducting an ongoing investigation. Authorities confirmed that the couple was visiting New York City from Hamburg and were staying at a local hotel. The incident has raised concerns about pedestrian safety in one of the city's busiest areas, which is frequented by tourists and office workers alike.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights ongoing issues related to traffic safety in New York City, where pedestrian fatalities remain a significant concern. According to city data, there have been numerous pedestrian injuries and fatalities across the boroughs, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and safety measures in high-traffic areas.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They were just in a whole pool of blood,” — Lorna Weiner, Witness
- “I did not hit anybody,” — Mohammed Abouzaid, Suspect
What's Next
Abouzaid is expected to face arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash continues, with authorities examining traffic patterns and pedestrian safety measures in the area.
