Astoria Man Dies After Being Struck By LIC Hit-And-Run Driver: Police

ASTORIA, QUEENS — An Astoria man has died after being struck while riding his scooter in Long Island City by a driver who fled the scene, according to police.

Brendan Marmolejos, 30, died on July 27, one week after the Hunter's Point crash, police announced Wednesday.

Police said that Marmolejos had been riding his motor-scooter westbound along 44th Drive, as a man driving a car headed south along Vernon Boulevard. As they both reached the intersection, the driver struck Marmolejos, sending him flying from his scooter, police said.

The driver, Dwayne C Bovell, fled the scene but was arrested two days later, police said. The Richmond Hill resident was charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injuries, police said.

Marmolejos was left with "many broken bones, lacerations and severe brain trauma," his cousin, Jason Meneses, wrote in an online fundraiser that aimed to help cover his medical bills. (Police mistakenly said Marmolejos had died two days after the crash, then clarified that he was still alive.)

Marmolejos lived on 30th Avenue and worked as a restaurant manager at Murray's Cheese Bar in Long Island City, according to his LinkedIn profile. Meneses described him as having "the biggest most contagious smile, a huge heart and the best dance moves."

In light of his death, the $21,000 raised through the fundraiser will go toward his funeral costs, medical bills, and travel expenses for his mother and brother, Meneses said.

Related coverage:

• Astorians Injured In Bat Attack, Hit-And-Run Crash Seek Help With Care
• Driver In Long Island City Hit-And-Run Is Arrested, Police Say
• LIC Hit-And-Run Crash Leaves Motorcyclist In Critical Condition: NYPD