Espina Bundley killed in pedestrian crash on Second Avenue

Vehicle struck woman in crosswalk before driver fled scene

March 25, 2026 | Midtown, NY

A 69-year-old woman from Queens lost her life in a hit-and-run incident in Manhattan early Wednesday. 

According to the New York Police Department, the crash happened around 4:28 a.m. at the intersection of Second Avenue and East 57th Street.

Espina Bundley, 69, died after she was hit by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash in a crosswalk at Second Avenue and East 57th Street in Manhattan.

What Happened in the Crash?

Espina Bundley was walking in the north crosswalk when a southbound 2024 Chevrolet Suburban SUV struck her with significant force, dislodging her shoes. The driver fled the scene by turning left onto E. 57th Street.

Key details include:

• Date and Time: March 25, around 4:28 a.m.
• Location: Second Avenue and East 57th Street, Midtown Manhattan
• Victim: Espina Bundley, 69, from Queens
• Vehicle Involved: 2024 Chevrolet Suburban SUV, southbound
• Injuries: Bundley was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries

Emergency services responded promptly, but the victim could not be saved.

Investigation and Arrest Details

Authorities apprehended the suspect, 43-year-old Bryan Alexis Guashpa Rumipamba from the Rockaways in Queens, around 10:15 a.m. the same day. He faces charges including leaving the scene of a fatal collision, failure to yield to a pedestrian, and failure to exercise due care. Additional traffic violations were noted after his arrest.

The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is examining surveillance footage to gather more evidence.

Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Persist in New York City?

Hit-and-run crashes continue to pose a deadly threat in urban areas like New York City. Data from NYC Open Data highlights thousands of such incidents annually affecting pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

Despite initiatives like Vision Zero aimed at enhancing street safety, drivers often flee after causing harm. These crashes frequently occur in busy intersections and impact vulnerable road users most severely. Lengthy investigations mean arrests happen in only a portion of fatal cases, often leaving families without resolution.

Source: NYPD collision data via NYC Open Data

Legal Insights on Hit-and-Run Cases

In cases such as this, conducting an independent investigation promptly is crucial to safeguard victims' rights.

“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”

Key takeaways:

• Thorough examination of environmental factors like lighting and signage can establish negligence.
• Timely legal action helps secure compensation for funeral costs, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
• Families may pursue wrongful death claims when negligence leads to fatalities from unsafe driving practices.

Pending investigation outcomes, Bundley's family could be eligible for a wrongful death claim covering various losses.

“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”

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