Antonio Benitez Obituary, Death News: 15-year-old hit and killed by fleeing driver during NYPD chase identified

Antonio Benitez Obituary, Death News – Police have identified the teenager who was killed in a hit-and-run crash while being pursued by law enforcement on Long Island over the weekend. The victim, 15-year-old Antonio Benitez from Garden City Park, was riding an e-bike when he was fatally struck Saturday night in North New Hyde Park. Authorities say Benitez was being chased by NYPD officers at the time, following allegations that he had been involved in an armed robbery in Bellerose, Queens. The pursuit extended into Nassau County, ending in tragedy.

According to police, Benitez was accused of committing a knife-point robbery, which led to the chase. However, his death has left his community and loved ones devastated. Many who knew him are mourning the sudden loss of a young life filled with promise.

A GoFundMe page created in his memory describes Benitez as a student at New Hyde Park Memorial High School who was deeply passionate about sports and outdoor activities. He was actively involved in lacrosse and football and loved riding bikes with his friends. The fundraiser also highlights his kind nature, sense of humor, and the strong bonds he shared with his family and friends.

While the community mourns Benitez’s death, the man who allegedly hit him while driving illegally has been arrested and charged. Police identified the driver as 28-year-old Ruyan Ali. Authorities say Ali did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash.

Ali now faces several charges, including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree. He has also been cited for several additional traffic violations. During his arraignment Sunday at Nassau District Court, Ali pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The incident has raised questions about both the police pursuit and the circumstances that led to the crash. As the legal process unfolds, the investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear how or why Benitez came to be in the path of Ali’s vehicle during the chase.

Meanwhile, the GoFundMe page created to support Benitez’s family continues to receive donations, reflecting the community’s grief and desire to honor the teen’s memory. His friends, classmates, and teammates are remembering him as a cheerful and compassionate young man with a bright future ahead.

As authorities continue their investigation, the case has drawn attention across Long Island, especially given the age of the victim and the charges faced by the driver. For now, the community of Garden City Park is left grappling with the loss of a beloved teenager whose life ended far too soon.