In a tragic incident during the early hours of August 25, 2024, a fatal wrong-way collision on the Henry Hudson Parkway in New York City, resulted in the deaths of Kirk Walker Jr., 38, and his cousin, Robert McLaurin, 40. The two men were returning from Walker’s bachelor party when their Dodge Challenger was struck head-on by a pickup truck traveling in the wrong direction. The crash happened only a day before Walker was due to marry his fiancée, Shauntea Weaver.
The crash occurred around 2:30 a.m., with Walker and McLaurin driving northbound near West 154th Street on the parkway. Their vehicle was hit by a pickup truck traveling south in the northbound lanes. Both men were declared dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck fled the scene on foot, abandoning a 22-year-old passenger who attempted to escape but was located by police and taken to the hospital, where his condition was reported as stable. The crash also involved at least two other vehicles, including an Audi S3, whose occupants were transported to the hospital with injuries.
Overwhelmed by her loss, Weaver spoke to the media, sharing the details of the wedding arrangements that would never take place. “I was supposed to be in my wedding dress right now, not mourning,” she said. The couple had planned a grand celebration for the following day at the Royal Manor in Garfield, New Jersey. Instead, their loved ones assembled for a candlelight vigil in Walker’s honor.
Walker, recognized for his generosity and dedication, co-ran a successful car rental business with Weaver. A devoted father of three, his untimely death has left his family in deep shock. Friends and family were profoundly affected by the tragic event. Walker’s mother, who had intended to wear a “Mother of the Groom” T-shirt at the wedding, instead attended the vigil, deeply saddened by the loss of her son.
Weaver conveyed her belief that she and Walker were destined to spend their lives together, and the profound sense of injustice was palpable among the grieving gathering. The family is committed to pursuing justice. Walker’s father, Kirk Walker Sr., insisted that their quest for justice was not over and that the fleeing driver would have to confront him directly.
McLaurin, who had traveled from North Carolina for his cousin’s wedding, was remembered for his kindness and strong familial ties. His mother described him as a purpose-driven man, always ready to help others. The untimely demise of both men has created a significant void in their families’ lives, who are now grappling with an uncertain future without them.
The search for the driver responsible for the crash is ongoing. Mayor Eric Adams has offered his own money as a reward. As the investigation progresses, the community stands united in mourning, lighting candles and releasing white balloons in memory of the two men whose presence profoundly impacted those around them.
This incident marks the second fatal wrong-way crash in the area within a week. On Thursday, August 22, a similar accident on the Southern State Parkway on Long Island claimed the life of a young boy.
