- Diana Rolon, a 60-year-old Staten Island mother, died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on Father's Day.
- The incident occurred on June 21 when Rolon was hit by a speeding BMW while at a yard sale.
- Her family is seeking justice and accountability, as the driver remains unidentified and has not come forward.
STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK — Five months after a former Nickelodeon actress was killed in a Brooklyn double hit-and-run accident, another New York City family is mourning a woman struck by a driver who fled the scene. Diana Rolon, a 60-year-old Staten Island mother, died days after she was hit by a speeding BMW while attending a Father’s Day yard sale.
The crash happened on Sunday, June 21, on Decker Avenue near Catherine Street in Port Richmond. Rolon’s family said she had gone to a local garage sale just a few blocks from home and was near the street when the vehicle came through the residential block.
According to relatives, the car was a white BMW with no license plates. The driver did not stop.
A Father’s Day Outing Turns Tragic
Rolon was spending her first Father’s Day since the death of her father, relatives said. She had reportedly gone to the yard sale and crossed Decker Avenue to get cash from her car before she was struck.
Family members said nearby security footage showed the BMW speeding down the street moments before the impact. The crash left Rolon with severe injuries, and a nurse who heard the collision rushed over to help before emergency responders arrived.
Rolon was intubated and taken to the hospital, where she underwent emergency brain surgery. Her relatives initially said they were praying for a miracle, but her injuries were too severe.
Her family later confirmed that she had died.
Family Grieves Sudden Loss
Rolon’s family described her as a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose kindness touched many people.
Her son, Michael Haque, had just graduated from high school days before the crash. Relatives said the family had been preparing to celebrate that milestone before the hit-and-run changed everything.
Michael said his mother loved her work as a school paraprofessional. He remembered how children would become happy when she entered the classroom.
The family’s GoFundMe page was first created to help with medical bills while Rolon was fighting for her life. After her death, relatives said donations would go toward funeral and memorial costs, remaining medical expenses, and support for Michael as he faces life without his mother.
Relatives Send Message to Driver
Rolon’s relatives have publicly called on the driver to come forward.
Her sister, Sylvia Rolon, said the driver’s actions were senseless and said there was no reason to speed down the street. She said life is precious and accused the driver of taking her sister from the family.
Rolon’s niece, Emily Feliciano, also criticized the driver for leaving the scene.
Family members said they believe police will eventually find the person responsible. They also said the driver will have to live with what happened.
Neighbors Raise Safety Concerns
The crash has also renewed concerns about speeding on Decker Avenue.
Relatives and neighbors said the street’s long residential blocks can make the area dangerous when drivers ignore the speed limit. Family members said they do not want temporary enforcement only after a tragedy. They want lasting traffic safety changes, including measures that could slow cars before another person is hurt.
A speed camera is located several blocks away, according to local reports, but Rolon’s family said more needs to be done closer to where the crash happened.
Her relatives said they hope her death leads to accountability and safer streets for the neighborhood.
Driver Still Sought
As of the latest available reports, the driver had not been publicly identified.
Police said the collision happened near Decker Avenue and Catherine Street, and relatives said the BMW had no license plates. The family is asking anyone with information or video from the area to help investigators.
The case came only hours before another fatal hit-and-run, this time in New Jersey, where two women were killed while walking home from a World Cup watch party. In that case, a 26-year-old Newark man later surrendered to authorities and was charged.
Rolon’s family is now waiting for similar accountability in Staten Island.
For more cases involving fatal hit-and-runs, reckless drivers, and families searching for justice, check out our video here:
