Memorial lies where 15-year-old Dafne Juan died in moped crash, driver of moped in NYPD custody

Neighbors tell News 12 that the teenage girl was a familiar face in the neighborhood and that they are heartbroken about the incident.

Amanda Bossard, Heather Fordham and News 12 Staff

May 28, 2024, 9:24 PM

Updated 59 days ago

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A memorial is now growing at the scene where a 15-year-old girl lost her life in a deadly scooter collision on Tuesday afternoon.
The crash took place at the intersection of University Avenue and West 192nd Street Tuesday afternoon. Two people, a 18-year-old man and 15-year-old Dafne Juan, were on a moped that the man was driving. The moped collided with a Honda Pilot that was traveling north on University Avenue.
Dafne Juan was pronounced dead at the scene, and the 18-year-old moped driver is now in critical condition.
Police tell News 12 that the 18-year-old moped driver will be in police custody following the crash.
News 12 spotted the driver of that Honda undergoing sobriety tests with NYPD officers. That driver has not been charged.
“So I heard the impact when the crash collided when it happened... when I came out, I saw the body," said witness Roe Peguero. "She broke her head unfortunately and I believe her right arm." Peguero also says he believes a light pole was involved in the crash as well.
Her family gathered near the intersection where she lost her life and shared memories of their loved one who lost her life too soon.
"She was quiet and happy, always in the house," said Laura Gomez, Dafne's cousin. "I wanna see her and they don't let me go see her... I feel real bad."
This is a photo of Dafne Juan, the 15-year-old victim of a fatal crash involving a moped that took place in University Heights.
Neighbors tell News 12 that the teenage girl was a familiar face in the neighborhood and that they are heartbroken about the incident.


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