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Huge outpouring of grief for slain New York medic

14-year veteran was struck, killed by stolen ambulance

By Associated Press
Published: March 25, 2017, 9:21pm
2 Photos
Hundreds of uniformed firefighters fill the street Saturday as an ambulance carrying the body of fallen New York Fire Department emergency medic Yadira Arroyo proceeds toward St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church in the Bronx borough of New York.
Hundreds of uniformed firefighters fill the street Saturday as an ambulance carrying the body of fallen New York Fire Department emergency medic Yadira Arroyo proceeds toward St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church in the Bronx borough of New York. (michael appleton/New York City Mayor's Office) Photo Gallery

NEW YORK — Emergency medic Yadira Arroyo was beloved — by her colleagues, by patients she transported to the hospital, by the store owner she spoke to on her way to work and by children who walked by her Bronx station house.

The 14-year veteran of the New York Fire Department and mother of five sons, killed March 16 when she was struck by her own ambulance that had been stolen, was remembered Saturday by thousands of mourners who packed a Bronx church and poured into the streets.

“Most of all, she was a hero,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “She died as one, but most importantly, she lived as one.”

Arroyo, 44, and her partner, Monique Williams, were responding to a call of a pregnant woman in distress when they were flagged down by a pedestrian about a theft, authorities say. Arroyo got out of the vehicle and a man darted into the driver’s seat and ran her down before crashing into parked cars. The horrific scene was captured on bystander video and shows Williams sobbing over her fallen partner.

Arroyo’s partner tried to give a reading, but could only cry at the lectern while another read in her place. Arroyo’s aunt and 23-year-old son, Jose Montes, delivered eulogies, telling of a kind, brave and resilient woman.

“My mother wasn’t perfect, she was excellent,” Montes said. “The way she inspired me, the way she lights up the whole room with her wonderful laugh. On top of any other lessons she showed me to make me as tough and as gentle, as wise and a curious as I am now, she taught me how to listen. Because she listened.”

Jose Gonzalez, 25, has been charged with murder in Arroyo’s death. Gonzalez told reporters he is innocent, while his lawyer said he’s mentally ill and didn’t act intentionally.

“The hearts of our city are broken today,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

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