The New Jersey alleged drunk driver who smashed into a NYC park on July 4, killing three and injuring 11, was a substance abuse counselor, it has been revealed.
Daniel Hyden was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, driving under the influence , and a number of other crimes after smashing into Corlears Hook Park in Manhattan, New York. However, Hyden's personal and professional life seem to be at odds, as Hyden's online professional profile on LinkedIn states that he serves as the program director for three residential treatment programs based out of Manhattan.
He's also the author of a book aimed at helping those dealing with addiction, titled "The Sober Addict: A Guide on How to Be Functional With the Dysfunctional Disease of Addiction." Hyden's book was written as “a practical guide on how to effectively live and cope with the dysfunctional, lifelong disease of addiction.”
READ MORE: Bryson Muir's grandmother tells of 'relief' after pleading with cops in two 911 calls
READ MORE: Woman survives brutal moment husband stabbed her 9 times and set her on fire as kids watched
Hyden is described in his biography as a "substance abuse counselor, educator, speaker, and wellness advocate dedicated to using his extensive experience with addiction to teach others" how to achieve sustainable recovery. He may not have followed his own advice here, as the fatal park event that shook the nation on July 4. Families are left in mourning.
The tragic incident at Corlears Hook Park took the lives of 59-year-old Lucille Pinkney, her 38-year-old son, Herman Pinkney, and Ana Morel, who was 43 years old. Another woman, 30 years of age, was critically injured and had to be rushed to the hospital.
Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sports, and entertainment stories
Among the victims was an 11-year-old child, who, along with other wounded parties, is being treated for minor injuries. The first responders from the fire department found four victims under the pickup truck at the scene.
Firefighters quickly worked on removing them before emergency medical teams could start their treatment procedures, Michael Meyers, Assistant Chief at the New York City Fire Department stated.
The 44-year-old man from New Jersey is believed to have been involved in an altercation at Pier 36 before the incident. Allegedly denied entry at a venue for intoxication, he insisted he had already purchased a ticket.
After being reportedly turned away from a bar just before the fatal crash occurred, his Ford F-150 was later spotted speeding down a street "at a high rate of speed." This occurred shortly before 9 pm on Thursday.
Ignoring a stop sign, the truck swerved onto the sidewalk and plowed into Corlears Hook Park in Manhattan's Lower East Side, according to New York Police Department Chief Jeffrey Maddrey during a news briefing.
Law enforcement sources disclosed that Hyden had a previous arrest in February for assault, where he supposedly hit a "fellow teacher" in the eye. Though, Hyden himself wrote in his book that addicts can expect to go to jail, where he's already been numerous times - and will now likely never get out from.
It seems the crash was also not a surprise to those who knew him best - “I told him this would happen one day. I told him,” Hyden’s ex-girlfriend told The Post , noting that alcohol was the reason for their breakup. The two share a 12-year-old daughter.
“This is shocking because he hurt people,” said his ex-girlfriend, who asked not to be named. “He killed people. I’m so hurt over that.”
In his book, Hyden wrote that he'd “taken many mugshots over the years.” He added that, due to his addiction, he goes "from intoxicatingly happy to ‘fight night bruised’ to Tasmanian devil angry to not having a hope in the world depressed."
"Like many with my disease, my encounters with law enforcement and incarceration have been attributed to my use and abuse," he continued in his guide to living with addiction. He also described his stints in prison as almost comforting and enlightening.
His book also states that most addicts end up in jail at some point or another. Unfortunately for his family and others, Hayden will now likely be there until the end of his life for the manslaughter charges. Dozens of witnesses came forward to express their sheer horror during the fateful crash.
"I can't get the screaming out of my head," a witness recounted, shaken by the chaos that unfolded. Another bystander, who had been enjoying a barbecue with his family at the park, noted that the victims were simply having fun and enjoying a night off.
Photographs from the aftermath depict a severely damaged vehicle amidst scattered debris. CBS News covered the heart-wrenching moment devastated relatives arrived at the crash site.
"I hope we get justice for my brother and my mother," expressed Diamond Pinkney, who lost her mom and brother. "Herman, I love you. I'm going to do you proud."
Local New York City, NY
Most Popular
Comments / 0