Ommatt Cruz: GoFundMe raises $19K for 19-year-old fatally struck by construction equipment operated by his father
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Ommatt Cruz, a 19-year-old died on Friday, November 17, after he was struck and run over by construction equipment which New York City authorities believe was operated by his own father.
The devastating incident took place just after 8.30 am at First Avenue and East Seventh Street in the East Village, according to a statement issued by police.
Ommatt Cruz was assisting with traffic control when he was 'struck and knocked down'
According to People, police stated that Cruz was "acting as a guide to assist with traffic control for the lift," and when "the lift entered the intersection," it "struck and knocked down" him before it ran him over.
Authorities stated that the teenager's father was reportedly the equipment operator at the time.
Is Ommatt Cruz's father arrested?
The identity of the forklift driver has not yet been confirmed by police but authorities stated that the operator remained at the scene following the tragic incident.
There were no arrests in the case. "The incident remains under investigation by the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad," stated police.
Who was Ommatt Cruz?
Cruz was a member of the varsity football team of his Staten Island high school where he continued to contribute even after graduating.
In a statement on Instagram on Sunday, November 19, Susan E Wagner High School paid tribute to Cruz.
"In light of this terrible tragedy, please keep Ommatt’s family and the Wagner High School community in your thoughts," read the school's post.
The school also stated that it is offering counseling support throughout the week.
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Speaking to The Staten Island Advice, Wagner football head coach Arthur Newcombe said, "He was a really good kid. A hard worker and player. Everybody loved him."
"He has a brother on the team and he’d come to help us out and just be around the team. We’re just kind of in shock," he added.
GoFundMe calls Ommatt Cruz a 'selfless' teenager
A GoFundMe page was set up for any "unexpected expenses," and has raised over $19,000 as of Monday morning, November 20.
The organizer described Cruz as "a loving and adoring son to his parents" and "a dedicated and loving brother to his 14-year-old brother and nine-year-old sister."
Cruz had recently turned 19, just three months before the tragedy. "To our boys on the Wagner Falcons Football Team, he was a brother," read a message on GoFundMe.
"To the parents and coaches, his family is our family. He was always there to help others, he was selfless," read the message.
"He was in his first year of college, and would still find time to come out on the field and help out with his younger brother on the JV team. We would like to help his family with unexpected expenses due to this horrific tragedy," the message concluded.