On August 24, 2024, in the early morning hours, a fatal collision occurred on the Henry Hudson Parkway in New York City, resulting in the death of Kirk Walker Jr., 38, and his cousin, Robert McLaurin, 40. The pair were returning from Walker’s bachelor party when a pickup truck, driving in the wrong direction, crashed into their Dodge Challenger. The accident took place just a day before Walker was due to marry his fiancée, Shauntea Weaver.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. as Walker and McLaurin were traveling north on the parkway near West 154th Street. Their vehicle was struck by a pickup truck moving south in the northbound lanes. Both men were declared dead at the scene. The pickup truck’s driver abandoned the scene on foot, leaving behind a 22-year-old passenger who attempted to escape but was apprehended by police and transported to a hospital where he is said to be in stable condition. The crash also involved at least two other vehicles, including an Audi S3, whose occupants were taken to the hospital with injuries.
Weaver, overwhelmed by the sudden loss, spoke to journalists about the wedding plans that will never be realized. “I was supposed to be in my wedding dress right now, not mourning,” she stated. The couple had planned a grand celebration for the next day at the Royal Manor in Garfield, New Jersey. Instead, their families and friends convened for a candlelight vigil in memory of Walker.
Walker, recognized for his hard work and generosity, was a co-owner of a prosperous car rental business with Weaver. The father of three young children, his death has inflicted deep pain on his family. His mother, who had intended to don a “Mother of the Groom” T-shirt at the wedding, attended the vigil, mourning the loss of her son.
Weaver expressed her belief that she and Walker were destined to share their lives together, and the sense of injustice was palpable at the gathering. The family is resolute in their pursuit of justice. Walker’s father, Kirk Walker Sr., emphasized that the quest for justice was not over, asserting that the driver would have to confront him personally.
McLaurin, who had journeyed from North Carolina to attend his cousin’s wedding, was remembered for his kindness and strong familial bonds. His mother characterized him as a purpose-driven man, always ready to assist others. The loss of both men has left a profound emptiness in their families’ lives, who now confront an uncertain future without them.
The search for the driver who caused the crash is ongoing. As the investigation continues, the community remains united in their grief, lighting candles and releasing white balloons in honor of the two men whose presence significantly impacted those around them.
This incident is the second fatal wrong-way collision in the area within a week. Earlier, on August 22, a young boy was killed in a similar accident on the Southern State Parkway on Long Island, New York.
