New York City, New York — Friends and family are mourning the loss of 15-year-old Daria Serkov, a New York City teenager who was killed after a bicycle crash in Manhattan, as photos and heartfelt tributes continue to paint a picture of a young girl remembered for her energy, creativity and love for those around her.
Daria was riding a bicycle with another teenage girl on East 14th Street around 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, when a large commercial truck traveling along the same road made a right turn onto First Avenue. The two teenagers were reportedly making the same turn when the truck struck them.
The crash left Daria with severe injuries. She was pronounced dead after the collision, while the 16-year-old girl riding the bicycle was hospitalized in stable condition with a leg injury.
Family and Friends Remember Daria
Daria lived in the nearby Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village and is survived by her parents, Irina and Alex Serkov, and her twin sister, Greta.
As the family copes with the sudden loss, friends and neighbors have come together to support them.
A GoFundMe fundraiser established for the family said the money would help cover funeral expenses and other costs following Daria’s death.
“We want to help support the family, including Daria’s twin sister Greta, in any way we can during this time,” the fundraiser’s description read. “The purpose of this fundraiser is to gather money for the funeral as well as any related expenses and support.”
The fundraiser organizer added:
“While no amount of money changes the outcome of this awful event, it takes a village of friends, family and neighbors to lift them up any way we can.”
Photos shared through the fundraiser show Daria spending time with friends and enjoying activities that were part of her life, including moments that appeared to show her on a tennis court.
Candlelight Vigil Draws Mourners
In the days following the crash, friends, neighbors and other mourners gathered at the location where Daria’s life was tragically cut short.
A candlelight vigil was held in her honor, with people bringing flowers and lighting candles as they remembered the teenager.
The gathering reflected the shock felt throughout the community following the sudden death of a 15-year-old girl.
For those who knew Daria personally, the photos and memories shared since the crash have provided a way to remember her life beyond the tragic circumstances of her death.
Parents Share Emotional Tribute
Daria’s parents also spoke publicly about their daughter, sharing a statement with WABC that described the qualities they will remember most.
“Our beloved Daria, our Dasha, was full of love, joy, and energy … We will carry her light, her compassion, and the love she gave us in our hearts always.”
The tribute offered a glimpse into the profound loss facing the Serkov family, particularly Daria’s twin sister, Greta, who is now grieving the loss of her sibling.
Visitation Scheduled in Manhattan
The Serkov family has scheduled a visitation for Sept. 24 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Abbey Funeral Directors on Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan.
The gathering will give family members, friends and others who knew Daria an opportunity to pay their respects and support her loved ones.
Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
Truck Company Responds to Fatal Crash
Badger Infrastructure Solutions, the company that owned the commercial truck involved in the collision, issued a statement following the crash.
The company said it is fully cooperating with the NYPD and other authorities as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A spokesperson said:
“We are devastated by the loss of this young life and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends,” the spokesperson continued. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted, and we are grateful to the emergency responders who provided care and assistance at the scene.”
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the turn and collision as authorities work to establish what happened that night.
For Daria’s family and friends, however, the focus has shifted toward remembering a teenager whose life ended far too soon.
Have you or someone you know ever been affected by a tragic traffic crash? Share your thoughts and messages of support for Daria’s family in the comments below.
