News Summary

A tragic hit-and-run incident in Queens resulted in the death of Isabel Alvarez, a 44-year-old construction worker. The driver, Daveanand Budhai, fled but was later arrested. Charges have been filed against him, including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. The community mourns the loss of Alvarez, remembered for her dedication to her work and family. The NY State DOT emphasizes the need for safety in work zones following this incident.

Queens Driver Arrested in Hit-and-Run That Killed Construction Worker

Queens, NY – A tragic hit-and-run incident on Friday morning claimed the life of Isabel Alvarez, a 44-year-old construction worker from the Bronx. The collision, which took place around 7:30 a.m. near the eastbound Nassau Expressway and Exit 1N, resulted in Alvarez being struck while she was directing traffic in a designated safety zone.

Emergency responders pronounced Alvarez dead at the scene following the accident. The driver involved, identified as 25-year-old Daveanand Budhai, was operating a 2018 Infiniti Q50S at a high rate of speed when he collided with her. After striking Alvarez, Budhai fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter near South Conduit Avenue and 134th Street. He was subsequently transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and treated for minor injuries, including an injury to his right hand.

Charges Filed Against the Driver

Upon being located, Budhai was charged with several serious offenses. These charges include assault, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation, and menacing. The authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident through the NYPD’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad.

Community Response and Safety Concerns

The news of Alvarez’s death has sent shockwaves through her community, with friends, family, and co-workers expressing profound grief over the loss. Those closest to her described her as a dedicated and selfless individual who had been working in the construction industry for approximately 15 years. Alvarez had taken on additional responsibilities to cover for a co-worker and was known to express concerns about reckless driving in the area prior to the unfortunate event.

In the wake of the incident, Marie Therese Dominguez, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation, released a statement which extended condolences to the family and reinforced the critical need for safety measures in work zones. This incident has served as a stark reminder for drivers to respect construction zones and the safety of workers on site.

Alvarez’s Legacy

Alvarez’s dedication to her work extended beyond her immediate responsibilities. She was in the process of building a vacation home for her mother in El Salvador, showcasing her commitment to family and future goals. Her contributions to the construction field and her community have left a lasting impact as mourners reflect on her legacy.

As the investigation continues, authorities are emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety regulations to prevent further tragedies like this from occurring. The community mourns not just the loss of a life but the values of hard work and community service that Isabel Alvarez embodied.

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Additional Resources

• ABC7 NY
• Wikipedia: Hit and Run
• QNS
• Google Search: hit and run incidents Queens
• NY Daily News
• Google Scholar: construction worker safety Queens
• QNS
• Encyclopedia Britannica: traffic safety
• Audacy
• Google News: moped hit and run Queens

Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER

CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton