New York City – A 54-year-old woman was killed after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while riding an electric scooter just blocks from her home in Queens, according to the New York City Police Department. The victim, identified as Blancamir Arias-Miranda, later died from her injuries after spending days in critical condition at a local hospital. Details of the case were confirmed by police and first reported by PEOPLE.
Crash Occurred in Early Morning Hours After New Year
NYPD officers responded to a 9-1-1 call at approximately 1:45 a.m. on January 4 near the intersection of Crescent Street and 30th Drive following a motor vehicle collision involving a scooter and a car.
Police said a 2009 Honda Civic struck a 2021 Hiboy electric stand-up scooter that Arias-Miranda was riding in the bike lane. The impact caused her to be ejected onto the roadway, leaving her critically injured.
Emergency medical services transported her to NYC Health and Hospitals / Elmhurst, where she was initially listed in stable but critical condition. She later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead on January 6, police said.
Driver Charged With Multiple Offenses
The driver of the Honda Civic was identified as 29-year-old Ryan Rampersaud. Police said he did not sustain injuries and remained at the scene following the crash.
Rampersaud was charged with:
- Vehicular Assault
- Driving While Ability Impaired
- Driving While Intoxicated
- Refusal to Take a Breathalyzer Test
The NYPD said the investigation remains ongoing and is being handled by the Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad.
Victim Remembered as Wife, Mother, and Grandmother
According to a GoFundMe referenced by the New York Daily News, Arias-Miranda was a wife, mother of four, and a grandmother, and was nearly home when the crash occurred.
Her family described her as the emotional center of their household, known for her warmth, strength, and devotion to her loved ones.
“Shortly after the New Year, in the early hours of the morning, Blanca was heading back home when her life was senselessly cut short,” the fundraiser states. “Just blocks away from her house, she was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver.”
After spending several days in the intensive care unit, the family said they were informed that she would not survive.
Fundraiser Supports Family and Legal Costs
As of January 14, the GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $48,000 of its $100,000 goal. The funds are intended to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, ongoing household bills, and legal costs as the family seeks accountability.
Loved ones also described Arias-Miranda as a “proud grandmother whose greatest joy was caring for and protecting those she loved,” noting that her death has left a lasting void that cannot be filled.
Investigation Remains Active
Police have not released additional details about toxicology results or potential court dates. Authorities say the investigation into the fatal crash is still ongoing.
The NYPD encourages anyone with information related to the incident to contact authorities as the case continues.
