Rockville Centre, New York (October 3, 2025) — Nassau County Police have identified Kwabena Awuku, 37, of Queens, as the motorcyclist who died Tuesday from injuries sustained in an October 3 collision with a turning box truck in Rockville Centre. Awuku had remained hospitalized in critical condition for several weeks before being pronounced dead Tuesday night.
Incident Details: Detectives said Awuku was operating a 2003 Honda motorcycle northbound on Lincoln Avenue when a southbound 2021 Ram box truck attempted a left turn onto South Forest Avenue. Awuku’s motorcycle collided with the truck as it made the turn, causing severe injuries that required immediate hospitalization.
The 46-year-old truck driver, whose name has not been released, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. No additional injuries were reported.
Investigation: The Nassau County Police Department is continuing to examine the factors that led to the collision. Investigators are reviewing the angle and timing of the box truck’s left turn, the speed of both vehicles, and visibility at the intersection to determine whether either driver had an opportunity to avoid the crash.
Motorcycle collisions involving turning vehicles often require detailed reconstruction. Detectives typically analyze skid marks, debris distribution, headlight and taillight function, and any mechanical issues that might have affected braking or steering. Surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses may help clarify whether the truck failed to yield or whether Awuku had insufficient time to react.
Because the crash resulted in a long hospitalization and eventual death, investigators will also examine medical reports, helmet use, roadway lighting, and traffic patterns to establish a complete picture of the circumstances. Families often rely on this level of detail to understand how such a devastating event unfolded.
Legal Considerations: Left-turn collisions are a well-recognized danger for motorcyclists, who are less visible to larger vehicles and have far less protection at the moment of impact. Under New York law, drivers making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to pose a hazard. If the truck driver failed to yield or misjudged the distance and speed of Awuku’s motorcycle, that may constitute negligence.
For Awuku’s family, his death is not simply a traffic statistic. It represents the loss of a loved one whose life was cut short after weeks of fighting to recover. A wrongful death claim may allow his family to seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs from his hospitalization, lost income, and the emotional burden of losing him far too soon. These claims cannot replace the person lost, but they can help address the practical and financial challenges that follow such a tragedy.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Awuku family and friends during this difficult time.
Source: Rockville Centre Patch