NYC Subway Victim Remembered as Devoted Son and Fitness Enthusiast

Darrel Rodriguez, 26, was remembered by his family as a devoted son and a dedicated fitness enthusiast following his fatal shooting on a Midtown subway platform on Saturday.

Rodriguez was shot in the chest around 12:20 p.m. at the 53rd Street/7th Avenue station. His aunt, Ana Pichardo, told The Post that her nephew was committed to two primary aspects of his life: the gym and his work. He lived with his father, Tony, who has faced health challenges, including a stroke that affects his speech. Pichardo described Rodriguez as being "crazy about his father" and noted their close bond.

Rodriguez, who also worked as a security guard, had recently set up a home gym in his bedroom, equipped with weights. His father recalled his son's love for playing and singing rock and roll on his guitar. According to sources, Rodriguez manned the front desk at a Manhattan building as a security guard, though the specific location was not immediately clear. He had also written a note found in his Bronx home that read, "I had a hard path, I had no one," and "Need to find a new job."

Police are seeking a suspect described as a masked gunman wearing a red tracksuit and a black vest. Sources indicated that an argument may have preceded the shooting, but the exact cause remains unclear. The investigation is hindered by a lack of clear video surveillance from the platform and the suspect's face covering. No arrests have been made as of Tuesday night.

Neighbors described Rodriguez as a "quiet, decent young man" who avoided trouble. The shooting occurred on the northbound E train platform. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Rodriguez was pronounced dead. His killer remains at large.