Richie O'Brien, a 41-year-old steamfitter and father of two, died after being struck by a cyclist whilst walking through Central Park to work on 27 September. He suffered a devastating brain injury in the collision on East Drive near West 84th Street and was pronounced dead in the early morning hours at Weill Cornell Medical Center. The tragic incident has left his family facing significant financial hardship, prompting them to launch a fundraising campaign for support.

O'Brien was married to Ronni and had two daughters, Kylie and Mia, whom he worked tirelessly to support. Within just four days of the incident, the family's GoFundMe campaign raised £161,666 of its £200,000 goal. The cyclist remained at the scene and was treated for minor injuries but has not been charged; police continue investigating the exact circumstances of the collision, including whether O'Brien saw the approaching bicycle.