The incident occurred at approximately 9:04 p.m. as a Hyundai Santa Fe was traveling eastbound on the Belt Parkway near the 92nd Street Pedestrian Bridge, the New York Police Department said. The passenger, identified as Rami Abdelhameed Elsuwi, was seated in the back of the vehicle when he reportedly opened a window and exited the moving SUV under circumstances that remain unclear.
Police said Elsuwi struck his head on a nearby guardrail, suffering severe head trauma. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators noted that it is still unknown why Elsuwi exited the vehicle, and the incident remains under active investigation.
The 69-year-old Uber driver remained at the scene and fully cooperated with authorities. No arrests have been made, and police have not indicated that criminal charges are expected at this time.
Elsuwi was a respected professional in the sports medicine and rehabilitation field, according to online records. He owned and operated a well-regarded physical and occupational therapy business in Brooklyn, earning recognition within the local medical and wellness community. News of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, patients, and community members.
