Drunk Driver Sentenced In Deadly July 4th NYC Crash That Killed 4

NEW YORK CITY — A drunk driver who ran a stop sign and drove into a Manhattan park on the 4th of July in 2024, killing four people, was sentenced to prison on Friday, prosecutors announced.

Daniel Hyden, 44, of South Brunswick, NJ, was sentenced to 24 years-to-life in state prison. On Nov. 3, 2025, he was found guilty on four counts of second-degree murder, one count of aggravated vehicular homicide and a slew of assault charges.

Hayden is accused of speeding in his Ford F-150 pickup truck and running a stop sign at the Water Street and Jackson Street intersection on July 4, 2024, prosecutors said.

In addition, to killing four people, he left 7 others injured, authorities said.

Hayden was driving at about 40 mph before he struck the victims. He fully pressed down his gas pedal and did not hit his brakes until one-half second before the final crash, prosecutors said.

When the truck finally came to a rest, trapping four people underneath, Hyden attempted to flee by placing the truck in reverse to continue driving, only to be stopped by witnesses who removed the key from the ignition, prosecutors said.

Lucille Pinkney, Herman Pinkney, and Ana Morel were pronounced dead at the scene. Emily Ruiz was pronounced dead five days later.

"Daniel Hyden has been sentenced to 24 years-to-life in state prison for murdering four New Yorkers and severely injuring seven others as they were enjoying an annual Fourth of July barbecue. Ana Morel, Lucile Pinkney, Herman Pinkney and Emily Ruiz went to the celebration not knowing that Daniel Hyden would end their lives that day with his pickup truck,” District Attorney Bragg said. “While this prison sentence will not reverse the fatalities, injuries, and trauma, I hope this sentencing brings a measure of comfort for those who were impacted by this mass casualty event. If you are intoxicated, do not get behind the wheel – it risks the lives of others, and you will be prosecuted.”