A tragic wrong-way collision on a New York parkway has claimed the life of a long-serving doorman, with an off-duty police officer identified as the driver responsible for the fatal incident. The crash occurred late on January 22, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting an ongoing investigation by state authorities.
Details of the Fatal Parkway Collision
Manuel Boitel, a beloved doorman who had worked at the St. Tropez luxury condominium building on Manhattan's Upper East Side for more than three decades, was driving home to Peekskill when the collision occurred. At approximately 11:39 PM on the Taconic State Parkway, his 2024 Toyota was struck by a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction.
New York State Police have confirmed that the other driver was Tiffany Howell, a 47-year-old off-duty NYPD sergeant with 18 years of service. Howell was operating her 2021 Infiniti southbound in the northbound lanes when the impact happened. Both individuals were transported to Westchester Medical Center, where Boitel was pronounced dead in the early hours of January 23.
Officer's Actions Before and After the Crash
According to reports, Sergeant Howell had just left a Holy Smoke 2026 cigar social event at Mom's Cigar Warehouse in Scarsdale before the incident occurred. The event, which featured an open bar, was organized by the NYPD's Holy Name Society, of which Howell was a member. The location was approximately ten miles from where the fatal crash took place.
Howell sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the collision and is expected to survive. She has been placed on modified duty by the NYPD, with her firearms and badge removed pending the outcome of investigations. Authorities are awaiting toxicology results and other findings before determining whether charges will be filed.
Retirement Application Amid Ongoing Investigation
In a significant development, Howell has applied for a vested separation retirement with the NYPD's pension fund. She is expected to retire at the end of the month, despite having two additional years remaining before she would be eligible for her full pension benefits. This move comes as the New York State Attorney General's Office conducts its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Family's Heartbreaking Discovery and Memories
Manuel Boitel's adult sons, Eric and Marvin, rushed to the crash scene in Mount Pleasant after their mother noticed their father's GPS tracker had remained stationary on the parkway for over an hour. Upon arrival, they encountered the wreckage and were initially informed that resuscitation efforts were underway for their father.
Marvin Boitel described his father as a mentor who profoundly influenced his life. "He helped me become the man I am today," Marvin recalled. "He was a jack of all trades who taught me maintenance skills. Anytime I'm fixing stuff around the house, I feel closer to him because he taught me how to do it."
The grieving son emphasized his father's caring nature, noting that Boitel would "rush home from work" whenever his sons needed support. "He was an amazing, amazing father," Marvin stated, capturing the family's profound loss.
Community and Union Response
Boitel, who emigrated from the Dominican Republic as a teenager, was married for 42 years and was a dedicated member of 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union. Union president Manny Pastreich issued a statement expressing deep sadness, honoring Boitel's life and mourning his loss.
"Manuel put more than 30 years of service into making his condo building home and he was taken just shy of enjoying the retirement he deserved," Pastreich said. "Our thoughts are with his family and his loved ones."
An online fundraiser established to assist with funeral expenses highlighted Boitel's generous character, noting that he "was always the first to help others" and "regularly donated to funds supporting police officers," having himself dreamed of becoming an officer.
Calls for Thorough Investigation
The family's attorney, Jonathan Roberts, has emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. "Knowing that the driver was a police officer makes this loss even harder for the family," Roberts told the Daily News. "But it also strengthens their belief that this case deserves a full, fair and transparent investigation."
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated professional whose three decades of service touched countless lives, while questions remain about the circumstances that led to this devastating parkway collision.
