Off-duty NYPD cop, 34, killed on his way to work after ‘drag racing’ BMW rear-ended his motorcycle

Off-duty NYPD cop and motorcycle enthusiast, 34, is killed on his way to work after a ‘drag racing’ BMW rear-ended his Harley Davidson

  • Off-duty cop Richard Holt, 34, was thrown from his motorcycle in Queens, NYC
  • ‘Drag racing’ 2014 BMW hit rear of his Harley Davidson causing him to crash 
  • He was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Hospital but succumbed to injuries

A New York Police Department cop has been killed on his way to work after the motorcycle he was riding was rear-ended by a ‘drag racing’ BMW.

Off-duty cop Richard Holt, 34, was thrown from his Harley Davidson Motorbike after the ‘racing’ car clipped the rear of his bike on Saturday evening in Bayside, Queens, New York City, sources told  New York Daily News.

He was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital but could not be saved. 

The driver of the 2014 BMW, who was reportedly drag racing with another BMW at the time of the crash, remained on the scene on the Cross Island Parkway near 17th Avenue and was questioned by police – it is not known if they will face charges.

Off-duty cop Richard Holt, 34, was thrown from his Harley Davidson Motorbike after the racing car clipped the rear of his bike on Saturday evening in Bayside, Queens, New York City

‘Hardworking’ Mr Holt had been part of the NYPD coronavirus response team but usually served on the homeless outreach scheme.

In his spare time the motorcycle enthusiast was president of the Unwanted LEMC (Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club) and was due to lead this year’s 9/11 Memorial Parade.

Members from the group paid tribute to ‘Rick’, calling him a ‘loving friend’ and ‘a brother to all’. 

They explained how Mr Holt had given up a career in public safety with NASA in Florida after his father asked him to return home to New York City where he was needed, and said that he shared a close ‘bond that couldn’t be explained’ with his father. 

The scene of the crash where a BMW, who was reportedly drag racing with another BMW, clipped the rear end of Mr Holt's bike

The scene of the crash where a BMW, who was reportedly drag racing with another BMW, clipped the rear end of Mr Holt’s bike

'Hardworking' Mr Holt had been part of the NYPD coronavirus response team but usually served on the homeless outreach scheme

‘Hardworking’ Mr Holt had been part of the NYPD coronavirus response team but usually served on the homeless outreach scheme

Writing in a post to Facebook: ‘A loving Friend, Rick has left his lasting impression of being a Brother to all, always ready to have a good time, kind hearted with good spirits.

‘Positive memories are all that we can remember because he was supportive, upbeat & cheery. Such a courageous young man that impacted his department with commitment to keeping the safety of the general public his life’s choice.’

Adding that Mr Holt and his father ‘shared a mutual respect for each other as some could only read in books’.  

Al Castro, 58, a retired NYPD officer and friend to Mr Holt, told New York Daily News: ‘He loved being a cop. He was well respected. He loved helping people, that’s the way he was. 

Mr Holt rides his bike through New York during a parade with LEMC while wearing a mask

Mr Holt rides his bike through New York during a parade with LEMC while wearing a mask

In his spare time motorcycle enthusiast Mr Holt (left) was president of the Unwanted LEMC (Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club) and was due to lead this year's 9/11 Memorial Parade

In his spare time motorcycle enthusiast Mr Holt (left) was president of the Unwanted LEMC (Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club) and was due to lead this year’s 9/11 Memorial Parade

Members from LEMC paid tribute to 'Rick', calling him a 'loving friend' and 'a brother to all'

Members from LEMC paid tribute to ‘Rick’, calling him a ‘loving friend’ and ‘a brother to all’

Adding: ‘He’s the type of guy that would help you in any way he can. He was very involved in the motorcycle community doing toy runs for kids or breast cancer motorcycle runs to help get the word out. He’s going to be missed by all of us.’

The NYPD Dragon Boat Racing team also paid tribute to their ‘loving’ colleague and friend. 

Writing in a Facebook post: ‘It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of NYPD Police Officer Richard Holt.

‘He was involved in a motor vehicle collision yesterday on his way to work. Members of our team had the distinct pleasure working with him.

‘His memory was one of a blue warrior, a friend and a loving brother. Thank You for the precious moments on and off the job. We will never forget you. May you Rest in Eternal Peace.’ 

 

  

 

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk