A fashion photographer died after being “doored” by a Nissan Maxima as he rode an e-bike in Queens, police said Wednesday.
Jose Luis Mora died Oct. 11, nearly three weeks after the crash in South Richmond Hill, cops said.
Mora, 56, was riding west on 103rd Ave. when a 30-year-old man behind the wheel of a 2011 Nissan Maxima parked near 117th St. threw open the driver’s-side door about 4:20 p.m. on Sept. 21.
The victim slammed into the door, was thrown from his e-bike and landed on the asphalt, cops said. He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he died 20 days later.
The driver has not been charged.
Mora, a Brooklyn native, lived in Ozone Park and had two children, Jazriel Mora and Joel Mora, and three grandchildren.
“One of his greatest joys in life was being a father,” his obituary reads.
“Among his most cherished memories were the joyful moments shared with his daughter, Jazriel — from the days she loved styling his hair and playfully putting makeup on him, to the proud and unforgettable moment of standing by her side on her Sweet 16. He held close the memories of camping trips with his son, Joel, particularly a memorable journey for Joel’s 21st birthday that stood out in his heart. Jose’s pride in his family was evident; he often spoke highly of their accomplishments, which filled him with immense pride.”
Mora’s children spoke lovingly of their father and shared the pain of his loss at a funeral service held in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday.
“That is a memory I want to believe never happened, a memory that will always feel like a nightmare, a memory I wish I could change,” his daughter said of the crash.
“All I have of him are those memories and so many other moments in between and behind the scenes that I will hold onto forever. I love my dad’s life and he deserved to keep living it.”
“He was always the life of the party,” Mora’s son said in his eulogy. “He had the foosball table, he had the dart board. We’d play chess, video games, it didn’t matter. He’d have fun with anything.”
“I remember one time, I was 13 or 14 years old, I’d woken up and he was ready for the day,” he added. “I said, ‘Dad, I’m so tired.’ He handed me a drink and said, ‘Here, drink this real fast.’ It was a shot of whiskey. He said, ‘Oh don’t worry, that will give you some hair on your chest.”
Mora’s career as a fashion photographer earned him the respect of his clients.
“For over 20 years, Jose dedicated his life to the fashion industry,” his obituary says. “He was always found behind the camera, capturing the beauty of his subjects with passion and precision. His commitment to his work was evident, often keeping him at his desk late into the night.”
“(It) was a testament to the deep relationships he built with his clients, many of whom considered him more than just a business partner but a dear friend,” the obit adds. “Jose’s vibrant personality was complemented by his good sense of humor, competitive spirit, and a unique ability to embrace positivity, even in the face of challenges. He was never afraid to speak his mind, and his calm demeanor made him an anchor for those around him.”
“A true New Yorker at heart, he had a profound love for ‘his city,’ which provided him with endless inspiration,” the obit continued.
Word of Mora’s death comes two days after a 26-year-old bicyclist died after also being doored in Queens.
Cristian Villafuerte Vasquez was pedaling north on 108th St. near 38th Ave. in Corona around 6:40 p.m. Monday when the owner of a BMW 320i opened his driver’s-side door as he exited his vehicle, cops said.
Vasquez suffered a severe head injury when he hit the pavement and was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital, where he died a short time later.
No criminal charges were immediately filed against the driver, police said.