At a Glance
- Daniel Hyden, 46, was sentenced to 24 years to life for the July 4, 2024 crash that killed four and injured seven.
- He was convicted of four counts of second-degree murder, four counts of second-degree assault, three counts of third-degree assault, and one count of aggravated vehicular homicide.
- Hyden, a substance-abuse counselor and author of The Sober Addict, was intoxicated and speeding at 54 mph in a 25 mph zone.
- Why it matters: The case underscores the deadly consequences of drunk driving and the legal system’s response to mass-casualty events.
Daniel Hyden, the intoxicated driver who plowed his pickup truck into a crowd at Corlears Hook Park on July 4, 2024, has been sentenced to 24 years to life in prison, Manhattan prosecutors announced on January 16.
The Crash
Hyden ran a stop sign, sped through a construction zone on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, and crashed through a chain-link fence at up to 54 mph-more than double the city’s 25 mph limit-before striking park-goers, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors said Hyden “fully pressed down his gas pedal and did not hit his brakes until one-half second before the final crash.”
Four people died:
- Lucille Pinkney, 59
- Herman Pinkney, 38
- Ana Morel, 43
- Emily Ruiz, 30 (died five days later)
Seven others were injured by the truck or flying debris; four victims were trapped beneath the pickup.
The Conviction
A bench trial in November 2025 ended with Hyden’s conviction on:
- Four counts of second-degree murder
- Four counts of second-degree assault
- Three counts of third-degree assault
- One count of aggravated vehicular homicide
The Driver’s Background
Hyden worked as a substance-abuse counselor and authored The Sober Addict. Prosecutors highlighted his professional knowledge of addiction to show he understood the risks of drunk driving.
He told ABC News he had relapsed after his sister was killed by a drunk driver in New Jersey in 2021 and was preparing to speak at that driver’s sentencing when the crash occurred.
Body-camera footage showed Hyden had been denied entry to a boat party earlier that night because he was too intoxicated, CBS News reported.
Courtroom Statements
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. said:
> “While this prison sentence will not reverse the fatalities, injuries, and trauma, I hope this sentencing brings a measure of comfort for those who were impacted by this mass-casualty event. If you are intoxicated, do not get behind the wheel-it risks the lives of others, and you will be prosecuted.”
Victim-impact statements filled the courtroom. Relative Starkema Lewis told Hyden:
> “Daniel made the conscious choice to drink and drive, fully aware of the risk. Fully aware of the devastation it would cause.”
Diamond Pickney identified Lucille and Herman as his mother and brother on GoFundMe; Herman’s wife Jessica and son Jacob were injured in the crash.
Best friend Halena Herrera said of Emily Ruiz:
> “It’s hard to believe, but I’m glad that at least now there’s some sense of justice. It doesn’t bring anything back, but it’s good to have it over with.”
Ruiz, remembered for her “loving nature and sincere heart,” left behind a 6-year-old son.
Apology and Sentence
Hyden apologized in court, calling the crash an “accident” and saying:
> “I’m processing how deeply disturbed and deeply hurt I was and still am, and I’m still processing the amount of people I hurt with my actions.”
The judge imposed the maximum allowable term: 24 years to life.
Key Takeaways
- Speed and intoxication proved fatal: Hyden’s truck moved at 54 mph while he was denied entry to a party for intoxication.
- Victims’ families received a measure of closure after emotional courtroom statements.
- Prosecutors used Hyden’s own counseling background to demonstrate awareness of the dangers of drunk driving.
- Sentence sends message: Manhattan DA vowed aggressive prosecution for intoxicated drivers who endanger public safety.
