New York City

Man Who ‘Caused Mayhem,' Death of Woman During NYC Bike Tour Sentenced to Prison

Nancy Pease, who was in coma for several weeks following last year's crash, died on Sept. 22

What to Know

  • A man who officials say pleaded guilty after killing a cyclist and injuring three others during the NYC Century Bike Tour has been sentenced
  • Abel Antonio Pina Morocho, 40, of Brooklyn, was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison
  • 55-year-old Nancy Pease, who was in coma for several weeks following the crash, died on Sept. 22, three others were hurt, but survived

The man who pleaded guilty in connection to the death of a woman during a New York City biking event last year has learned his fate. 

Abel Antonio Pina Morocho, 40, of Brooklyn, was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison after he killed a 55-year-old woman and injured three others during the 2017 NYC Century Bike Tour, prosecutors said. Pina Morocho, who officials said was drunk during the crash last September, pleaded guilty earlier this month to aggravated vehicular homicide.

"This defendant’s decision to drink and then get behind the wheel caused mayhem and the death of an avid cyclist during what was supposed to be a festive bike tour," Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said.

Officials say Pina Morocho struck the bicyclists as they waited for a red light at 12th Avenue and 39th Street in Borough Park during the tour on Sept. 10. The victims were riding in a 100-mile bike race that goes through four boroughs when they were struck by the Dodge minivan, the FDNY said. 

Nancy Pease, who was in coma for several weeks following the crash, died on Sept. 22. Authorities said she was struck, fell in front of the car and got lodged underneath. 

Three other cyclists were injured after the collision forced one of them to be flown onto another, knocking both to the ground. A fourth cyclist was also knocked to the ground and had his leg run over. They all survived. 

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