A devastating Friday afternoon in early December 2025 saw 68-year-old Trevor Samuels, a father of five and grandfather, tragically killed by an unlicensed moped driver in a Jamaica, Queens crosswalk. The incident, which occurred as Samuels was shopping for Christmas gifts, has cast a harsh light on the growing, unregulated presence of mopeds and e-bikes in New York City, sparking urgent community calls for stricter traffic law enforcement and better pedestrian safety measures.
Story Highlights
- Trevor Samuels, a 68-year-old grandfather, was killed by an unlicensed moped driver in Queens.
- The incident occurred while Samuels was shopping for Christmas gifts, days before a family reunion.
- The driver was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
- This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations on mopeds in NYC.
Tragedy Strikes During the Holidays
On a Friday afternoon in early December 2025, Trevor Samuels, a 68-year-old father of five, was tragically killed in a crosswalk in Jamaica, Queens. Samuels, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, was a former correctional officer and was shopping for Christmas gifts for a long-awaited family reunion when he was struck by a moped driven by 26-year-old Junior Rodriguez. The incident occurred at or near 168th Street and 93rd Avenue, devastating his family.
Rodriguez, the moped’s operator, remained at the scene and was later charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Despite the charge, Samuels’ family, including his eldest daughter Yvette, expressed that the arrest does not bring back their loved one. They are now struggling to raise funds to transport Samuels’ body back to Jamaica for a proper farewell.
NYC family’s holiday agony after granddad killed by unlicensed moped driver in wrong-way horror https://t.co/hrcawb1zGH pic.twitter.com/qFMsslaESK
— New York Post (@nypost) December 7, 2025
Growing Concerns over Unlicensed Mopeds
This incident highlights a critical issue in New York City: the rise of unlicensed and unregistered mopeds and e-bikes. The increase in these vehicles, especially since the pandemic, has led to numerous pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The NYPD and NYC Department of Transportation have faced challenges in regulating these vehicles, which often flout traffic laws by riding in bike lanes or against traffic.
The case of Trevor Samuels is not an isolated one. Many New Yorkers have raised concerns over pedestrian safety and called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. The aggravated unlicensed operation charge against Rodriguez is a step towards accountability, but the incident underscores the need for more comprehensive regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
The Impact on Families and Communities
The loss of Trevor Samuels has left his family in emotional turmoil, especially given the timing just before the holidays. The financial burden of funeral costs and repatriating his body adds further strain. This tragedy not only affects the Samuels family but also heightens awareness in the local community of Jamaica, Queens, about the dangers posed by unregulated mopeds and e-bikes.
As the city grapples with these issues, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety and the need for effective traffic law enforcement. The Samuels family, along with many others, hopes for changes that will prevent future incidents and ensure safer streets for all New Yorkers.
Watch the report: 68-year-old father of 5 struck, killed by moped driver in Queens
Sources:
68-year-old father of 5 struck, killed by moped driver in Queens
NYC family’s holiday agony after granddad killed by unlicensed moped driver in wrong-way horror | New York Post
Grandfather killed after being struck by moped driver in Queens – ABC7 New York
