What was supposed to be a celebratory weekend ended up being a tragic one after a groom-to-be and his cousin were killed in a wrong-way crash on the eve of the former’s wedding.
According to CBS News, the fatal Saturday incident occurred on the Henry Hudson Parkway in New York City. The 38-year-old groom-to-be, Kirk Walker, was set to get married the following day. Walker’s deceased cousin was identified as 40-year-old Robert McLaurin.
Police said Walker and McLaurin were killed in a head-on crash, adding that a wrong-way driver rammed into a Dodge Challenger vehicle the deceased men were riding in. In the wake of the fatal crash, police said the wrong-way driver exited the vehicle and fled the scene.
RELATED STORIES
Police also said the wrong-way driver was in the car with a passenger who sustained injuries from the crash. That passenger subsequently received treatment at a hospital while Walker and McLaurin were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said the wrong-way driver was yet to be apprehended.
“We’re supposed to be at my wedding right now. This is supposed to be a wedding at the Royal Manor, not a celebration of death,” Walker’s fiancée, Shauntea Weaver, said at a vigil on Sunday, which was supposed to be their wedding day.
Weaver also described the fatal incident as “unbelievable” and “reckless.” “Kirk was amazing. He was the best, best person ever,” she told CBS News. Walker’s father, Kirk Walker Sr., also touched on how he was feeling. “My heart aches so much, and I’m really angry. I’m angry,” he revealed.
“This is what we’re supposed to be wearing today … But they took my baby. He wanted this wedding so, so much,” Walker’s mother, Susan Walker, said. “And my nephew, they took my nephew, too.”
Family members said Walker and McLaurin had gone for pre-wedding celebrations and were on their way home when the fatal incident occurred. “Today was the day. They didn’t make it,” McLaurin’s, father, Robert, said.
“I got the call, and I lost it. I started yelling. I said, ‘What do you mean he’s gone?'” the deceased 40-year-old’s mother, Betty McLaurin, also said.
Walker’s father addressed the wrong-way driver, saying: “I want them to see my face. I just want them to know, it ain’t over. It’s not over.”
