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Dad of Two Dies Days After Suffering Severe Head Trauma in Bicycle Crash on His Way to Work

Posted by Team - September 29, 2026

Dad of 2 Dies Days After Sustaining ‘Severe Head Trauma’ in Bicycle Crash While Walking to Work

“Although our hearts are broken by this unimaginable loss, Richie’s legacy will live on,” said Rich O’Brien’s family friend

A father of two died days after he was struck by a cyclist while walking in New York City’s Central Park.

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, a 41-year-old man, later identified as Rich O’Brien, was walking through the park on his way to work when he was struck by a cyclist on West Drive in the vicinity of West 84th Street around 6:36 a.m., the New York City Police Department (NYPD) tells PEOPLE.

Investigations conducted by the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad revealed that the bicycle, which was being operated by a 32-year-old male, was traveling northbound on West Drive when it met a pedestrian who was walking in the roadway.

The bicyclist struck O’Brien, causing him to fall to the ground, sustaining “severe head trauma,” according to police. The bicyclist was thrown from the bicycle and landed on the pavement, suffering minor injuries.

While the bicyclist was treated at the scene, O’Brien was transported to New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition.

Laura Sackler, who witnessed the collision, told NYC Streets Blog that the bike rider appeared “very shocked and confused which turned into what I felt like was disbelief and he was clearly emotionally devastated and at one point near tears.”

She also alleged that “it took an incredibly long time” for O’Brien to get medical ᴀssistance.

The investigation surrounding the collision remains ongoing with the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad.

After the tragedy occurred, a family friend, Casey Bartels, created a GoFundMe on behalf of O’Brien and his family.

“Richie is a proud Local 638 Steamfitter who went to work every day to provide for his family and give his wife, Ronni, and their two daughters, Kylie and Mia, the life they deserve,” he wrote. “His condition is not expected to improve, and his family is facing the heartbreaking reality that they will soon lose him.”

Four days after the incident occurred, Bartels shared that O’Brien died in the early hours of Sunday, Sept. 27, with his wife by his side.

“Although our hearts are broken by this unimaginable loss, Richie’s legacy will live on,” he wrote. “He was able to give the gift of life to others through organ donation helping those in need even in his final moments.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the love, prayers, and support that have surrounded Richie and his family throughout this heartbreaking journey,” he added.

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Dad of 2 Dies Days After Sustaining ‘Severe Head Trauma’ in Bicycle Crash While Walking to Work “Although our hearts are broken by this unimaginable loss, Richie’s…

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