Just after 4 a.m. Sunday, a tragic wrong‑way collision on the Hutchinson River Parkway in New Rochelle, NY left one man dead and sent three others to a hospital. Law enforcement say the crash happened just south of Webster Avenue, when a southbound patrol officer discovered two vehicles that had evidently collided head-on.
The wrong‑way vehicle — a Toyota Prius — was found with its driver unresponsive behind the wheel. Officers immediately removed him and began CPR, then awaited arrival of emergency first responders. Firefighters from the New Rochelle Fire Department and paramedics from Empress EMS took over care, later transporting the man to Westchester Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at 5:07 a.m.
Authorities identified the victim as Joel Ramirez Jimenez, 34, of Wyandanch, Long Island.
Preliminary investigations indicate the Prius entered the parkway traveling the wrong way off the Webster Avenue on‑ramp, heading south into the northbound lanes. No 911 calls about a wrong‑way driver or accident preceded the crash — police believe the collision occurred only moments before the officer came upon the scene.
The other vehicle involved was a Cadillac Escalade carrying two passengers and its driver. Fortunately, none suffered life-threatening injuries — all three were treated at the scene for minor trauma.
The crash forced a shutdown of the northbound lanes of the Parkway for several hours as investigators from the General Investigations Unit worked the scene. The exact circumstances — including why the Prius driver entered the wrong way — remain under active investigation. Police have withheld further details until the victim’s family is notified.
Late Sunday, statements from local residents added another layer to the tragedy. Some noted that the Webster Avenue entrance has long been considered dangerous, citing confusing ramp design and poor signage. One neighbor said he’s “seen people confused when trying to get back into the neighborhood,” and called for better warnings or flashing signs to prevent similar accidents.
As of now, law enforcement urge drivers to stay vigilant — especially around highway entrances — and promise a full review of factors leading to the crash. The community mourns the loss of Joel Ramirez Jimenez, while relatives of those injured are relieved that none were gravely harmed.
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