By Alex Robinson and Sarina Trangle
Two pedestrians were struck and killed on Atlantic Avenue in separate accidents within three days last week, police said.
A father of four died after he was hit by a car in Richmond Hill Saturday night while trying to cross the street, police said.
Oscar Pauzhi, 54, of Corona, abruptly stepped out onto Atlantic Avenue at 107th Street at around 11:20 p.m., when he was struck by a 2006 Hyundai Elantra, which was driving westbound in the right lane, according to cops.
Pauzhi was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver remained at the scene and was not charged with any wrongdoing, police said. No criminality was suspected, but the NYPD said the incident was still under investigation.
Pauzhi, who was a construction worker, immigrated from Ecuador to the United States in 1985 to find work, relatives said.
Family remembered Pauzhi as a hardworking and generous man who did not have time for hobbies, as he was often laboring.
“He was really friendly and funny,” said Jamie Minchala, Pauzhi’s niece. “He always cared about us a lot.”
Relatives did not know what Pauzhi was doing on Atlantic Avenue Saturday night, but said it was not uncommon for him to work late.
Three days before Pauzhi’s death, an unidentified man was run over by a white box truck while crossing Atlantic Avenue near 85th Street in Woodhaven April 23.
Police said the driver remained at the scene and was not issued summonses.
Witnesses said the victim, who was declared dead at the scene, was not wearing a shirt or shoes and was behaving erratically before he stepped into the intersection.
As of Wednesday afternoon, police had still not identified the man.
Reach reporter Alex Robinson by e-mail at arobinson@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
