By Rebecca Henely
The family of an Elmhurst man who police say was pushed in front of a Q train told members of the media Wednesday they were grieving and requested privacy at a news conference in Maspeth with City Comptroller John Liu.
“I really wish I had a chance to tell him how much I loved him,” said 20-year-old Ashley Han. Her father, 58-year-old Ki-Suk Han, died at St. Luke’s Hospital in Manhattan after being shoved off a subway platform near 49th Street and 7th Avenue Monday afternoon, according to the NYPD.
Police said Wednesday that 30-year-old homeless man Naeem Davis had been arrested in connection with the crime and charged with second degree intentional murder and second degree depraved indifference murder.
Liu, Ashley Han and Ki-Suk’s wife Serim Han were joined at the news conference by members of the New York Korean and Christian Korean community at the Faith Presbyterian Church at 53-71 72nd Place in Maspeth.
“I think we all comprehend what a terrible tragedy this has been,” Liu said.
Serim Han read a statement in Korean while Ashley Han read a statement in English. They also said they wanted to go home and be left in peace, as members of the media have been camped outside their house in Elmhurst since Ki-Suk Han’s death.
“They understand why people want to know more about them, and that’s why they’re sharing a few minutes with you today,” Liu said.
Rev. Won Tae Cho of Faith Presbyterian, where the Hans worship, said Ki-Suk Han was a devoted father and husband. Ki-Suk Han moved from Korea to the United States 25 years ago. Cho said Ki-Suk Han was eager to live the American dream and was willing to help others.
“Mr. Han provided for his wife, who is disabled, and his daughter, who is going to college,” Cho said.
A wake for Ki-Suk Han was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Edward D. Jamie Funeral Chapel at 141-26 Northern Boulevard in Flushing.
Liu said the family was relieved that a suspect had been arrested but relatives were mostly focused on grieving.
Ashley Han was asked if she wished another person at the train station had helped her father, who was seen trying to pull himself up onto the platform before the Q train hit him.“The thought of someone helping him up in a matter of seconds would have been great, but what happened has happened,” she said.
Reach reporter Rebecca Henely by e-mail at rhenely@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
