Child dies under wheels of campaign RV

A nine-year-old boy was struck and killed by a campaign RV as he traversed Cross Bay Boulevard and Liberty Avenue - on his way to his home on 79th Street - at about 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6.
A police source said that the child, identified as Ibrihim Ahmed, had his skull crushed by the vehicle, emblazoned with “Mike Ricatto Special Election 32nd City Council District.” The boy, who was a fourth grader at P.S. 63, was pronounced dead on the scene.
Ricatto is a candidate in the upcoming special election to replace former City Councilmember turned State Senator Joseph Addabbo.
“I saw a limp body covered with a white sheet,” said a worker who answered the phone at P.C. Richard & Son - located across the street from where the incident took place. “There were a whole bunch of police and ambulances,” said the employee, who did not give a name.
“This evening I am deeply saddened that a heartrending accident occurred involving my campaign bus and driver,” said a statement issued by Ricatto. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the child whose life was taken in this tragic accident. I have children of my own and can’t imagine the pain of losing a child in an accident like the one that occurred today. Respectfully, I have suspended all campaign activities until further notice because the reverence for family loss comes before any politics. In addition, I would like to commend the New York City Police Department and all Emergency Personnel for their quick response, professionalism and compassion during this most unfortunate accident. At this time I don’t have any further information than what is being reported by the media. As I receive any new information regarding this heartbreaking accident I will issue an immediate statement.”
The vehicle remained on the scene, and the driver, Alexander Aponte, 22, who had a suspended license, has been arrested.
A woman who answered the phone at P.S. 63 on Wednesday morning, January 7, told The Courier that a crisis team was on hand counseling the students. “The fourth graders took it very hard,” she said.
Visit qns.com for updates on this story.