Tragic Ocean Parkway Crash Claims Lives of Mother and Two Daughters, Leaves Community in Mourning
Brooklyn, NY – A devastating multi-vehicle collision on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn has resulted in the deaths of a mother and her two young daughters, leaving her 4-year-old son critically injured and the community in shock. The tragic incident occurred just after 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the intersection of Ocean Parkway and Quentin Road in the Midwood neighborhood.
Details of the Incident
According to the New York Police Department, a 2023 silver Toyota Camry with TLC plates was traveling westbound and attempted to turn right onto northbound Ocean Parkway. As the Camry made the turn, a blue Audi A3 sedan traveling northbound on Ocean Parkway collided with it. The impact caused the Audi to continue forward into a crosswalk, where it struck the mother and her three children before overturning.
The mother, identified as 35-year-old Natasha Saada, and her daughters, Diana, 7, and Debra, 5, were pronounced dead at the scene. Her 4-year-old son, Phillip, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Driver Information and Legal Actions
The driver of the Audi, 32-year-old Miriam Yarimi, was found to be operating the vehicle with a suspended license. She was taken to the hospital in stable condition and has been placed under arrest, though charges had not been filed by early Sunday. Authorities are investigating whether Yarimi ran a red light and whether speed was a factor in the crash.
The 62-year-old driver of the Toyota Camry sustained minor injuries and was also hospitalized in stable condition. The four passengers inside the Camry, including a 35-year-old woman and three children aged 4, 5, and 12, suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital.
Community Response
The close-knit Orthodox Jewish community in Gravesend, where the Saada family resided, is reeling from the tragedy. Neighbors described Natasha Saada as an “angelic woman” and a “stellar mother” who was deeply devoted to her family. The family was walking home from synagogue when the accident occurred, highlighting the profound impact on the community.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, calling the accident a tragedy of “Shakespearean proportions.” He emphasized the pain felt not only by the city but specifically by the close-knit community affected.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary breath tests are being conducted to determine if alcohol played a role, and officials are examining whether speed and traffic signal violations contributed to the incident. Residents have voiced concerns about speeding and traffic violations on Ocean Parkway, noting that such issues have been longstanding in the area.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Natasha Saada and her two daughters has left an indelible mark on the Brooklyn community. As her young son fights for his life, family, friends, and neighbors are coming together to support one another during this unimaginably difficult time. The incident underscores the critical importance of traffic safety and the devastating consequences that can arise when regulations are not adhered to.