Family of Teen Killed in Citi Bike Crash Pleads for Privacy

The family of a 15-year-old girl killed while riding a Citi Bike on the Lower East Side has broken their silence to plead for privacy as they mourn what they described as an "unimaginable loss."

Daria Serkov was struck by an excavation truck around 9 a.m. Friday while cycling on 14th Street with a 13-year-old friend. She was pronounced dead at the scene, pinned beneath the truck's wheels. The younger girl was hospitalized but survived the incident.

In a statement posted on gofundme.com, Daria's family expressed their grief and requested time to process their sorrow. "Our family is living through an unimaginable loss," the statement read. "We ask for privacy and space to grieve together, to honor Dasha's life, and to begin processing a sorrow that words cannot express."

The family described Daria as "full of love, joy, and energy," noting her deep care for others and the warmth she brought to those around her. "Her generous spirit and loving heart made her deeply cherished. We will carry her light, her compassion, and the love she gave us in our hearts always."

Witnesses at the scene described the truck driver as being visibly distraught, crying uncontrollably after realizing what had happened. "A lot of blood was coming out," said Bdin Puangsawaski, a neighborhood restaurant owner.

According to the Serkov family, their daughter's name was made public "before our family was ready." They reported that journalists had been contacting relatives at all hours, leading them to hire security to protect their privacy.

"We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has reached out with genuine care and compassion, to all who attended the vigil [Saturday] night, and those who continue to keep Dasha in their hearts," the statement continued. "Your kindness has brought comfort during the most painful time of our lives."

As of Monday afternoon, a GoFundMe page established for the grieving family had raised over $111,000.