A Missed Call, A Stolen Future: Hit-and-Run Claims Life of Queens Man Minutes After He Reached Out to Girlfriend

A Queens man's journey to a work site ended in tragedy last week, when he was struck and killed by a driver who then fled the scene. The incident, which occurred just minutes after the victim tried to call his long-distance girlfriend, has left a family and community in mourning.

According to the New York Police Department, officers responded to a call at the intersection of Whitney Avenue and Macnish Street in Queens around 4:30 p.m. on March 31. They found Edward Luyo, 44, who had been hit by a gray Nissan Versa while crossing the street. Luyo was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The driver, identified as 53-year-old Jose Dilone-Duran of Queens, allegedly left the scene. An NYPD investigation led to his subsequent arrest on charges of leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The crash remains under investigation.

The tragedy is compounded by poignant personal details. Luyo, who immigrated to the U.S. from Peru as a teenager, co-owned a concrete business with his brother. His girlfriend, Violet Cannistraci, who lives upstate, told the New York Daily News she missed a call from him roughly 20 minutes before the crash. "I didn't notice the missed call until after 5, when his mom was repeatedly calling me to let me know he was in a serious accident," Cannistraci said.

The couple, bonded by a love for hiking, kayaking, and travel, had discussed getting engaged during a future trip to Zion National Park. "It's heartbreaking," Cannistraci said. "We don't know how we can continue with our lives without him."

In the wake of his sudden passing, a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $7,000 to assist Luyo's family with funeral costs and related expenses. "Edward had a good heart and always cared more for others than himself," Cannistraci wrote on the fundraiser page, describing a man who "did whatever he could to protect and support his loved ones."

Community Reaction

The case has sparked local conversation about pedestrian safety and accountability in hit-and-run incidents.

Marcus Chen, Neighborhood Safety Advocate: "This intersection has needed a traffic calming study for years. While an arrest is a step toward justice, it doesn't bring Edward back. We need proactive measures to prevent these senseless losses."

David Rivera, Local Shop Owner: "Ed was a regular, always friendly. He was building a life here. To have it end like this, so suddenly, is a shock to all of us on this block."

Sarah Jenkins, Commuter: "It's infuriating. To hit someone and just drive away? That's a profound moral failure. The driver didn't just take a life; he stole a future—an engagement, a marriage, a family. The maximum penalty should be sought."

Rev. Alisha Thompson, Community Clergy: "Our prayers are with Edward's family and Violet. This is a profound reminder to cherish every connection. That missed call will haunt her, but she must not bear the weight of guilt. The responsibility lies solely with the driver who chose to flee."