STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— Dr. Ashraf Hussein’s life calling was protecting and helping animals in need.
To his family, the 56-year-old Eltingville man was devoted to animals long before most people ever knew his name. A veterinarian with an enormous heart, Hussein dedicated his life to treating pets in need — often volunteering at a low-cost mobile vet clinic van in Queens.
He worked multiple days throughout the week alongside his close friend, 73‑year‑old Garo Alexanian, identified by the New York Post as the owner of the vehicle Hussein used to treat animals. Together, the veterinarian and Alexanian provided affordable care to pet owners who struggled to access it.
On Feb. 1, Hussein’s life ended unexpectedly when the mobile veterinary clinic became lodged in a snowbank in Flushing, Queens.
Hussein, dedicated to his work, was found dead inside the vehicle while performing surgery on a dog who was also found deceased, the NYPD said.
Alexanian was discovered unconscious.
The incident is under investigation, said the NYPD.
Ashraf Hussein died while performing surgery on a dog inside a mobile vet clinic.Courtsey of Mahmoud HusseinA dedicated worker
Hussein’s journey to becoming a veterinarian in New York began in the early 1980s, when he immigrated from Egypt to Brooklyn, his son Mahmoud Hussein recalled.
Though Hussein had already earned his veterinary degree from Cairo University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, he had to rebuild his career from the ground up in the United States.
To support his family, he spent years working as a cab driver—always holding onto the dream of returning to veterinary medicine, his son said.
Through unwavering commitment and determination, Hussein restarted his career as a licensed veterinary technician and eventually regained his full veterinary license.
Most recently, the doctor practiced at Aadobe Animal Hospital in Port Richmond, where he was known for treating every animal as an individual. His expertise spanned internal medicine, ophthalmology, dermatology, and complex orthopedic and soft‑tissue surgeries, according to the practice’s website.
“For many of you, Dr. Hussein was more than a veterinarian — he was a trusted caregiver, a compassionate advocate for animals, and a gentle presence who brought comfort and reassurance to both you and your beloved pets,” Aadobe Animal Hospital wrote in a Facebook post. “His dedication to veterinary medicine touched countless lives and set a standard of kindness and professionalism for all of us.”
Hussein brought that same combination of technical skill and tenderness to the mobile clinic, where he performed exams, surgeries, and low‑cost microchipping using 24PetWatch, PetLink and HomeAgain systems.
Those who knew him say he rarely rested. His wife, Marwa Mansour, said her husband worked seven days a week, driven not by obligation but pure devotion to the animals who depended on him.
Ashraf Hussein died while performing surgery on a dog inside a mobile vet clinic.Courtsey of Mahmoud Hussein
A GoFundMe created by the Voices for the Voiceless community described Hussein as a compassionate person.
“Even in his final moments, he was doing what he had always done — showing up to serve, putting the needs of others before his own,“ the fundraiser said. ”His sudden passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of the many families and pet owners who trusted him. The lives he saved, the comfort he gave, and the dignity with which he practiced his work will never be forgotten.”
The proceeds raised will go toward covering the doctor’s funeral expenses.
Mansour echoed that sentiment through tears, saying her husband died doing exactly what he had devoted his life to: caring for an animal in need.
“He would get off work and drive all the way down to Queens. It wasn’t about the money,” Mansour said. “He would literally volunteer on Tuesday and Saturday. That’s when he passed away on Saturday. That’s how much he loved his job.”
Beyond the examining room, Hussein was a passionate chess player.
“He could beat anybody who knows how to play chess,” she said. “If he tried to play against one of my cousins, he would win. There was never a game where he lost.”
Hussein also loved staying active, often exercising in Staten Island’s parks.
“When I was little, he’d always take me to Clove Lakes Park,” Hussein’s son remembered. “He also liked to workout and was a New York City marathon runner.”
To his wife and children, he was an extraordinary person who was gentle and loving.
“He was an incredible husband and a father. He had the biggest heart, especially for animals,” Mansour said.
Marwa Mansour and Ashraf Hussein fell in love after bonding over their shared passion for animals.Courtsey of Marwa MansourGone too soon
Hussein’s life ended unexpectedly when the mobile veterinary clinic became lodged in a snowbank in Flushing, Queens.
On Feb. 1, around 9:25 a.m., police responded to a 911 call at 157‑18 65th Avenue in the 107th Precinct, said the NYPD.
Authorities found Hussein inside the “Low Cost Vet Mobile,” where he was previously performing surgery on a small white dog, officials said. The dog did not survive.
Inside, officers discovered Hussein and Alexanian unconscious, police said.
EMS pronounced Hussein dead at the scene. Alexanian was taken to NewYork‑Presbyterian Queens Hospital in stable condition.
Calls for an investigation
In the aftermath, the family is overwhelmed with grief and searching for answers. Mansour has repeatedly questioned how conditions inside the van led to her husband’s death.
“We want to know: How could this happen?“ Mansour questioned. ”Who was responsible?”
Ashraf Hussein died while performing surgery on a dog inside a mobile vet clinic.Courtsey of Mahmoud Hussein
While the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death, police say the investigation remains ongoing.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said Wednesday morning that no final determination has been made.
“The cause and manner of death are pending further study,” a spokesperson for the office said to the Advance/SILive.com.
The New York Daily News reported that investigators are exploring whether the victims may have become overwhelmed by fumes inside the van after the exhaust pipe became packed with snow, police said.
Hussein was laid to rest Tuesday at MAS Staten Island located at 180 Burgher Ave. in Dongan Hills. He is survived by his wife Marwa Mansour and children Yousef, Omar and Mahmoud Hussein.