Alcoholism Shadows Accused Drunk DriverAlcoholism Shadows Accused Drunk Driver The ex-girlfriend of Daniel Christopher Hyden, the suspect in the fatal drunk driving accident that claimed three lives during a July 4th celebration in Manhattan, expresses shock but not surprise at his involvement. Hyden’s former partner, who has a 12-year-old daughter with him, reveals that he has a long history of alcoholism and that she had warned him in the past that such a tragedy could occur. “This is shocking because he hurt people. He killed people. I’m so sad about that,” she says. Despite Hyden’s alleged sobriety, the woman believes he has not fully overcome his addiction. She adds that it did not surprise her when she learned about his actions, stating, “This is why we’re not together, because of his issues.” Hyden, a self-proclaimed drug addict and addiction counselor, is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he crashed his truck into a crowd at Corlear’s Hook Park on the Lower East Side. Three individuals were killed in the incident. The ex-girlfriend recalls seeing Hyden last week, noting that he seemed to be “terrible” after she learned about the tragedy. She emphasizes that she had warned him about the potential consequences of his addiction. Despite seeking professional help and obtaining an alcohol and drug counselor license, Hyden’s alcoholism has reportedly made it difficult for him to maintain employment. According to police, Hyden is charged with aggravated motor vehicle manslaughter, driving under the influence, not having a valid driver’s license, and eight counts of second-degree assault.
The ex-girlfriend of the suspected drunk driver accused of fatally hitting three people celebrating July 4 in a Manhattan park was shocked — but “not surprised” — when she learned of his involvement.
Daniel Christopher Hyden’s former partner, with whom he has a 12-year-old daughter, told The Post on Friday that Hyden has long struggled with alcoholism and that she once warned him that “this would happen someday.”
“He is said to be sober, but that is clearly not the case,” said the woman, who did not want to be named.
“This is shocking because he hurt people. He killed people. I’m so sad about that,” she said.
“But it doesn’t surprise me,” she continued.
The ex-girlfriend of the suspected drunk driver who fatally struck three people in Manhattan on Thursday said she was stunned — but “not surprised” — by what her daughter’s father allegedly did. Stephen Yang
“Okay, I’m not surprised. This is why we’re not together, because of his issues.”
Hyden, a self-confessed drug addict and addiction counselor, is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs after allegedly driving his truck into a crowd celebrating Independence Day at Corlear’s Hook Park on the Lower East Side.
The ex-girlfriend said she saw Hyden last week when she dropped off their daughter at his home in the Bronx and the two went to a carnival together in New Jersey.
“This is shocking because he hurt people. He killed people. I’m so sad about that,” she said. nypost
She said she felt “terrible” after hearing what had happened.
“I told him this would happen someday. I told him,” she said.
Hyden, 44, “has a long history” of alcohol abuse, she said — but she didn’t know if she still drank since they split in 2016. His father, she said, suffered from the same addiction.
“After we broke up, he went to get his alcohol and drug counselor license. He went back to school to better himself,” she said.
“He wanted to stop. He wanted to do good. But he had a disease. It’s a lifelong disease.”
His alcoholism made it hard for him to hold down a job, she said. He was a police officer in Georgia for a time.
Hyden allegedly drove a gray Ford F-150 through the intersection of Water and Jackson Streets, onto the sidewalk and into the park, hitting 11 people who were barbecuing.
Three people were killed.
The deceased victims were identified by police as Lucille Pinkney, 59, and her son Hernan Pinkney, 38 – who lived together near the scene of the accident – and Ana Morel, 43.
Daniel Christopher Hyden’s former partner, with whom he has a 12-year-old daughter, told The Post on Friday that Hyden has long struggled with alcoholism and that she once warned him that “this would happen someday.” Willem Farrington
Park visitors who witnessed the tragedy prevented Hyden from leaving the scene while they waited for police to arrive, police said.
Hyden is charged with aggravated motor vehicle manslaughter, driving under the influence and not having a valid driver’s license, as well as eight counts of second-degree assault.
According to neighbors and his Facebook profile, Hyden was a U.S. Army veteran.
He wrote a book published in 2020 titled “The Sober Addict,” which is described as “a practical guide on how to effectively live and cope with the dysfunctional, lifelong disease of addiction.”
Hyden also has a YouTube channel where he describes himself as a certified addiction recovery coach and certified personal trainer. He also offers addiction advice and workout videos.
Hyden, a self-confessed drug addict and addiction counselor, is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs after allegedly driving his truck into a crowd celebrating Independence Day at Corlear’s Hook Park on the Lower East Side. Robert Miller
One of his neighbors in the Bronx, who did not want to be named, was shocked to learn that Hyden had been involved in such a horrific incident, calling him “a good guy” and “funny.”
“He’s healthy. He works out. He goes to the gym,” she told The Post.
“Maybe it was an accident, you never know what happens,” she added.
“He was friendly to me. He only said ‘good morning’ to me. Not to everyone, but to me,” she said.
The building manager, Miguel, spoke to a “quiet” man who didn’t talk much to others.
“I thought he was a good person,” he said.
