MANHATTAN, NY — A devastating hit-and-run motorcycle crash on Manhattan’s FDR Drive early Thursday morning, July 25, 2025, claimed the life of 31-year-old New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighter Matthew Goicochea, a decorated hero known for his extraordinary bravery.
The incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. on the northbound side of the FDR Drive near East 9th Street, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD). Goicochea was riding his 2023 Yamaha motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle, causing him to lose control and fall onto the roadway. A second vehicle then struck him and fled the scene, leaving him with fatal injuries. Medics rushed Goicochea to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Goicochea, a resident of Throgs Neck, joined the FDNY in September 2022 and served with Ladder Company 41 in the Bronx. In August 2023, he earned the prestigious Thomas Wylie Medal for his heroic actions during a fire in a six-story building in Morris Park. Facing blinding smoke and worsening conditions, Goicochea forced open an apartment door, exhausted his water supply attempting to extinguish the fire, and located an unconscious victim entangled in a wheelchair. Shielding the victim with his body, he navigated past extending flames to ensure their rescue, an act of courage that exemplified his selflessness.
The FDNY and its community are reeling from the loss of a firefighter described as a “true hero.” In a statement, the FDNY expressed profound grief: “The FDNY mourns the loss of Firefighter Matthew Goicochea, who tragically passed away early Thursday morning.” Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry echoed this sentiment on social media, writing, “We lost a true hero this morning with the tragic passing of Firefighter Matthew Goicochea, who served the FDNY with distinction since 2022. His dedication to serving and protecting New Yorkers, including his heroic rescue of a fire victim in the Bronx that earned him the Thomas Wylie Medal last year, exemplifies the selflessness and courage that define all of New York’s Bravest.”
The NYPD’s Highway Collision Investigation Squad is actively investigating the crash. No arrests have been made, and authorities have not yet identified the driver of the vehicle that fled or provided a vehicle description. It remains unclear whether the driver was aware they struck Goicochea. The NYPD is urging anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or online to assist in the investigation.
The FDR Drive, a high-speed roadway along Manhattan’s eastern edge, has a history of serious accidents, particularly during early morning hours. This tragedy underscores the need for heightened caution on this stretch of road.
Goicochea’s death marks a profound loss for the FDNY, his family, and the broader New York City community. Tributes from colleagues and the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) highlight his dedication and fearlessness. “The UFA mourns the loss of Firefighter Matthew Goicochea, who passed away this morning in a motorcycle accident on the FDR Drive,” the UFA stated. “Our condolences to his loved ones and fellow firefighters.”
Survived by his family, friends, and FDNY colleagues, Goicochea leaves behind a legacy of bravery and sacrifice. His death serves as a somber reminder of the risks first responders face, both in the line of duty and beyond.
