Skateboarder, 18, killed in Gravesend hit-and-run

A young man was struck and killed by a driver in a hit-and-run in Gravesend over the weekend.

Police say that at around 3:10 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, 18-year-old Alejandro Tello was riding his skateboard along Avenue T when a driver in a white BMW SUV turned southbound on West 10th Street from Avenue T and struck the victim.

The driver immediately fled the scene.

Officers and EMS rushed to the scene and discovered the victim was unconscious and lying on the roadway. He was immediately transported to Maimonides Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

A police source claims the car that struck Tello was found early morning on Monday, July 25 near Bay 14th Street.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

According to reports, Tello was a student at New Utrecht High School.

Local dignitaries discussed the death of Tello as well as 27-year-old Neftaly Ramirez who was struck and killed by a private garbage truck on Saturday, July 22.

“Alejandro Tello was a young man with his entire life ahead of him,” said Councilmember Mark Treyger during a press conference. “He was preparing to go to college and pursue a career in law enforcement. He did not have the option of walking or riding away from the scene of the crash that ultimately resulted in him losing his life. Neither did Neftaly Ramirez or any of the other dozens of people who lose their lives as a result of hit-and-run crashes in our city every year.”

“The two recent hit-and-runs, which both resulted in fatalities, highlight the need for a stronger emphasis on traffic safety,” added Councilmeber Vincent Gentile. “It is increasingly evident from these two tragedies that stronger laws are needed for drivers who leave the scene of an accident.

“Two young lives have been cut short, but our pursuit of justice, from Gravesend to Greenpoint, will not be broken,” said Borough President Eric Adams.

“These tragic deaths demonstrate the horrific consequences of drivers not respecting cyclists, skateboarders, and pedestrians as equal partners on the road,” said Public Advocate Letitia James. “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of 18-year old Alejandro Tello and 27-year old Neftaly Feliz during this incredibly difficult time.