Family Of 14th Cyclist Killed In NYC Can't Afford Burial: Cousin

BROWNSVILLE, BROOKLYN — The family of Ernest Askew, fourteenth cyclist killed in a crash in New York City this year, still can't say goodbye to the father, brother and cousin they lost almost a month ago. It's not just that they miss him, it's that they can't afford to bury him, a cousin told Patch.

"When a loved one dies you want to lay them to rest as soon as possible," said Yolanda Ruiz. "He's been laying there for almost a month now and it's truly heartbreaking."

Askew, 57, was fatally struck by a teen driver on Chester Street and Sutter Avenue in Brownsville on June 27, just days after a cyclist in Manhattan was killed.

His death spurred outrage among cyclist advocates who noted the death toll for cyclists this year has spiked in comparison to 2018, and raised concerns about the lack of biking infrastructure in low income areas of New York City.

Ruiz, a bus driver who lives in Houston, also believes a protected bike lane would have saved the life of her cousin, who relied on his bike to get around New York. But she feels the bigger tragedy is that she, his brother and son have not been able to find the money to hold a funeral.

"We're not a wealthy family," said Ruiz. "It's so sad that we don't have the money to bury him in the manner he deserves."

That's why his son, Jamal Askew, launched a $1,500 GoFundMe campaign last weekend that has since raised $450, Ruiz said.

"Ernest Askew was a Father, Brother, Entertainer and Friend to so many," the crowdfunding sit reads. "His family is having a hard time funding his home going and is in need of some help."

Ruiz hadn't seen Askew in some time, but she still remembers visiting Askew in Brownsville's Governor Samuel J. Tilden Houses when she was a little girl.

"He was always a jokester and kept everyone laughing," said Ruiz. " I've never seen him in a bad attitude."

Her mother and his were close, and Ruiz said Askew always seemed like more of a brother to her than a cousin. Askew's favorite possession was a unicycle, she said, which he broke his two front teeth learning how to ride.

"He rode that unicycle like it was nobody's business," she said. "He's always had a love of cycling."