By: Richard L. Smith
A Fourth of July celebration at Corlears Hook Park in Manhattan was marred by a horrific incident involving a drunk driver.
Mr. Daniel Christopher Hyden, a 44-year-old substance-abuse counselor from Monmouth Junction, NJ, plowed his gray Ford F-150 pickup truck into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to seven others.
The incident occurred around 8:55 p.m. when Hyden, reportedly driving at a high rate of speed, ran through the intersection of Water Street and Jackson Street, mounted the sidewalk, and struck the crowd gathered for the celebration.
Police said the impact was so severe that first responders found the truck on top of four victims upon their arrival.
Fire Department Assistant Chief of Operations Michael Meyers described the scene as chaotic and devastating.
"They encountered a pickup truck on top of four victims," he said. Bystanders at the park acted swiftly, detaining Hyden and ensuring he remained at the scene until authorities arrived.
Among the injured, two victims were reported to be in critical condition, three in serious condition, and three others sustained minor injuries.
The youngest victim was approximately 11 years old.
Hyden, ironically an author of "The Sober Addict," a book professing his dedication to preventing death through sobriety, now faces charges of driving under the influence.
His actions stand in direct contrast to his proclaimed mission of helping others overcome substance abuse.
Police have taken Hyden into custody as investigations continue into the circumstances leading to this devastating event.
The community mourns the loss of lives and prays for the recovery of those injured in this senseless act of violence.