Dad, Girlfriend Killed in Motorcycle Crash Months After His Retirement

A recently retired police officer and his girlfriend have died after they were involved in a motorcycle crash in New York City on Labor Day.

Police said Reinaldo Rodriguez and his girlfriend Mirella Vega, both 42, were fatally injured after the new 2025 Harley-Davidson they were on crashed into the rear passenger side of a Mercedes-Benz SUV in Brooklyn, according to the New York Daily News and Patch.

The SUV was reportedly making a left turn off Atlantic Avenue and onto Elton Street in the Cypress Hills neighborhood when the collision occurred around 8:10 p.m. local time on Monday, Sept. 1. 

Both Rodriguez and his girlfriend were ejected from the motorcycle, according to ABC affiliate WABC-TV and the Daily News. Rodriguez died at the scene, while Vega died at Brookdale University Hospital.

Rodriguez, nicknamed Rey, was described as “a ray of sunshine with a smile that would light up the entire room” in a statement shared by his family via GoFundMe.

“He was loyal, so supportive, kind, honest, very caring, trustworthy, darn adventurous, extremely charming, compassionate, genuine, so damn funny, generous, and understanding,” the family said.

Rodriguez spent 21 years of his life as a member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) before retiring in the spring, according to family. 

The former cop had recently purchased the motorcycle involved in the crash as a retirement gift to himself, the Daily News reported.

Rodriguez leaves behind a 10-year-old son while Vega, a medical assistant, leaves behind three children of her own. The retired cop’s father, who is also named Reinaldo Rodriguez, said the couple met in high school and re-connected later in life after Rey divorced his first wife.

“Unfortunately, this beautiful soul’s retirement plans were cut short, along with those of the woman whom he loved dearly, Mirella,” Rey’s family said in their statement. “We ask you to keep her family in your prayers also. This is difficult for them too.”

Vega’s eldest daughter told the Daily News that her mom also “lit up a room when she came in” and “put others before herself.”

“Everybody’s in shock,” the daughter said. “She was involved in everyone’s lives … She was the most selfless person you will ever meet.”

The fatal crash occurred just blocks away from Rey’s home in East New York, according to the Daily News. His funeral is expected to take place this week.

The male driver of the SUV involved in the crash remained at the scene and was eventually transported to Brookdale University Hospital in stable condition, according to WABC-TV.

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Meanwhile, more than $22,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe for Rey’s family as of Monday, Sept. 8. The funds will go toward funding his services, and anything left over afterward will be donated to his son Aiden.

“He was looking forward to spending more time with his son,” said Rey’s mother, 68-year-old Diane Rodriguez, according to the Daily News. “Everything was for him. That was his world.”

The NYPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.