Nurse killed in hit-and-run at dangerous Sunset Park intersection

SUNSET PARK — A nurse was killed by a hit-and-run driver following her shift at NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn on Aug. 29.

At 7:35 a.m., Jiayi Zheng, 28, was crossing the street at the intersection of Third Avenue and 55th Street when a driver operating a 2014 Cadillac sedan was traveling south and hit her. The driver fled the scene. 

Zheng was thrown onto the roadway and sustained trauma to her head and body. EMS rushed the Sunset Park resident to NYU Langone, where she was pronounced dead. 

No arrests have been made, and the investigation by the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad is ongoing.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jiayi Zheng, a nurse at NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn,” said the hospital in a statement. “This is a tragic loss, and we extend our sincere condolences to her family, loved ones and colleagues. Our nurses play an essential role in caring for others with compassion and dedication, and this loss is being felt across our entire community.”

The area has had several other fatal collisions in past years. In October 2020, nurse Clara Kang, 31, was riding her bicycle when she collided with a man driving a 2018 Suzuki GSX-R north on Third Avenue and 56th Street. She was also taken to NYU Langone, where she was pronounced dead. 

In July 2025 at 4:20 a.m., Faqiu Lin, 59, and Kex Un Chen, 80, were crossing the street on Third Avenue and 52nd Street when they were struck and killed by a speeding dark gray BMW that was traveling south.

“Our streets should feel safe for everyone, but all too much pain has been caused by speeding along this corridor,” said Councilmember Alexa Aviles. “I am heartbroken that we have experienced yet another tragedy on Third Avenue and will stay in touch with the precinct to support our harmed neighbor in whatever way we can.”

“While the investigation proceeds, I am once again calling on @NYC_DOT to work with the community to make Third Avenue safer,” wrote state Sen. Andrew Gounardes on X. “Just over a year ago we lost two elderly neighbors to a similar crash, and Third Avenue remains one of the most dangerous corridors in Brooklyn. Enough is enough.”