BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The Williamsburg community are grieving after 84-year-old Noach Klein tragically lost his life in a traffic accident Wednesday evening that also left another man injured.

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the collision occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of 49th Street and 18th Avenue, a bustling area in the Borough Park neighborhood. Investigators say Klein and another pedestrian, a 54-year-old man, were crossing the street when a 2018 Ford Transit van, operated by a 38-year-old driver, struck them.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, providing immediate medical care to both victims. Noach Klein, a longtime Williamsburg resident, was transported to Maimonides Hospital, where, despite all efforts to save him, he was later pronounced deceased. The second pedestrian was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

Video from the scene showed emergency crews assisting the injured and assessing the aftermath. A hat and broken glasses lay scattered on the pavement — somber reminders of the force of the impact and the fragility of life.

Authorities confirmed that the van driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. No arrests or citations have been issued at this time, as the NYPD Collision Investigation Squad continues to examine the circumstances of the crash. Early reports indicate that speeding or impairment do not appear to be factors, though investigators are still reviewing lighting, visibility, and road conditions.

Residents describe the intersection where the tragedy occurred as busy and often difficult for pedestrians, especially during the evening hours. Local safety advocates have long called for additional crosswalk improvements and traffic-calming measures to help protect seniors and families in the area.

Community members have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Noach Klein, describing him as a kind, humble, and well-respected man who was active in his neighborhood and known for his gentle demeanor. His death has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, and his memory will be cherished by family, friends, and the broader Williamsburg community.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of driver awareness and pedestrian safety in densely populated neighborhoods like Borough Park. City officials continue to push forward with Vision Zero, New York City’s initiative aimed at eliminating traffic-related deaths and serious injuries.

The NYPD urges anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has surveillance footage from the area to contact Crime Stoppers or the Collision Investigation Squad to assist in the ongoing investigation.

As authorities work to piece together what led to this tragic event, the community joins together to mourn the loss of Noach Klein, remembering a life marked by kindness, faith, and community spirit.