On the morning of August 25, 2024 a tragic wrong-way collision on Manhattan’s Henry Hudson Parkway, New York City, resulted in the deaths of Kirk Walker Jr., 38, and his cousin, Robert McLaurin, 40. Their vehicle, a Dodge Challenger, was hit by a pickup truck traveling in the wrong direction as they were returning from Walker’s bachelor party. Tragically, this accident occurred just before Walker was due to marry his fiancée, Shauntea Weaver.
The fatal crash occurred around 2:30 a.m., as Walker and McLaurin were driving northbound on the parkway near West 154th Street. Their vehicle was hit by a pickup truck traveling south in the northbound lanes. Both men died at the accident site. The driver of the pickup truck fled the scene, leaving a 22-year-old passenger who attempted to escape but was apprehended by police and taken to the hospital, where he was reportedly in stable condition. The crash also affected two other vehicles, including an Audi S3 whose occupants were hospitalized with injuries.
Weaver, who was supposed to be preparing for her wedding, expressed her profound grief to reporters. “I was supposed to be in my wedding dress right now, not mourning,” she said. The couple’s wedding, scheduled for the next day at the Royal Manor in Garfield, New Jersey, was replaced by a candlelight vigil in memory of Walker.
Walker, a father of three and co-owner of a thriving car rental business with Weaver, was known for his hard work and generosity. His death has deeply affected his family and friends. Walker’s mother, who had planned to wear a “Mother of the Groom” T-shirt at the wedding, was in attendance at the vigil, mourning the loss of her son.
Weaver expressed her belief that she and Walker were destined to be together forever, and the sense of injustice was palpable at the gathering. Walker’s father, Kirk Walker Sr., promised that the search for justice was not over and that the hit-and-run driver would have to face him.
McLaurin, who had traveled from North Carolina to attend his cousin’s wedding, was remembered for his kindness and strong family ties. His mother described him as a purposeful man who was always ready to help others. The loss of both men has left their families facing a future without them.
Law enforcement continues to search for the driver responsible for the fatal crash. As the investigation proceeds, the community stands united in sorrow, lighting candles and releasing white balloons to honor the memory of the two men.
This tragic incident is the second fatal wrong-way crash in the region in a week. On August 22, another similar incident on the Southern State Parkway in Long Island claimed the life of a young boy.
