Besim Muminovic Identified as Motorcyclist Killed in Sheepshead Bay Crash on Belt Parkway
The Sheepshead Bay community in Brooklyn, New York, is mourning the tragic death of Besim (Rasima) Muminović, a 29-year-old motorcyclist who was killed in a violent crash on the Belt Parkway on Sunday evening, October 20, 2025. The devastating collision, which also claimed the life of another individual, occurred when a speeding white Mercedes Benz slammed into Muminović’s motorcycle near the Shore Parkway exit before flipping over and crashing into several parked vehicles.
According to authorities and multiple eyewitness reports, the Mercedes was traveling westbound on the Belt Parkway at a dangerously high speed when it collided with the motorcycle that Muminović was riding. The impact was so powerful that the luxury sedan lost control, crashed through a median, hit several trees and a fence, and finally came to a stop after striking three parked cars. The crash site, located in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn, was left littered with debris, and the force of the collision was captured on nearby surveillance video.
The video footage, which has since been shared with investigators, shows the horrifying moment of impact and the vehicle flipping uncontrollably before crashing. Witnesses described the scene as “chaotic” and “heartbreaking.”
Police confirmed that the driver of the Mercedes fled the scene on foot immediately after the crash, abandoning a 22-year-old male passenger who was critically injured. The passenger was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead. Tragically, Besim Muminović, who was riding the motorcycle, was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe a Horrific Scene
Residents in the neighborhood described being startled awake by the loud crash and rushing outside to find the wreckage.
“A lot of people went out from the buildings to see what happened,” said Inna Matsipura, who lives nearby. “It was really terrible. We saw a young man lying there on the road. It was something you never want to see.”
Another local resident, Stephen Livshits, who was visiting family near the crash site, told reporters that reckless driving is common on that stretch of the parkway.
“If you’re ever outside late at night, you can hear the loud engines flying down the Belt. They go way too fast sometimes on this part of the highway. It’s dangerous,” Livshits said.
A nurse at nearby Coney Island Hospital said she had just finished a 12-hour shift when she returned home to find her parked car destroyed by debris from the crash.
“Thank God I wasn’t there,” she said. “If I had been sitting in the car or even standing nearby, I might not be alive. It’s just a car — my life is worth more than that.”
Police Investigation and Search for the Hit-and-Run Driver
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is actively investigating the crash and has launched a search for the driver of the Mercedes Benz who fled the scene. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The crash remains under investigation by the NYPD Highway Patrol Collision Investigation Squad, and authorities are considering charges including vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Community Mourning and Family Statement
News of Muminović’s death has deeply saddened the local community and members of the Bosnian and Sandžak diaspora, who have expressed their condolences and grief on social media. The ‘Plav-Gusinje-Sandžak • SANA’ organization released a heartfelt statement confirming his passing and honoring his memory:
“Besim (Rasima) Muminović moved to the afterlife (1996–2025). It is with a sad heart that we announce that on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Muminović (Rasim) Besim moved to the Hereafter, at the age of 29.
Healthy head will be on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Ali Pasha Mosque, Astoria. We will inform you about the funeral later.
The bereaved: father Rasim, mother Jasmina, brother Bernad, sisters Bisera and Belma with their families, nephew Benid-Beni, uncles, aunts, nephews, cousins, and many relatives and friends.
We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”
Remembering Besim Muminovic
Besim Muminović was remembered by friends and loved ones as a kind, hardworking, and passionate young man who was full of life. He was known for his warm heart, bright smile, and dedication to his family and community.
Muminović studied at the University of Oregon and attended Mary D. Carter Elementary School and Horace Greeley Middle School before moving to New York. Friends describe him as someone who was deeply respectful, humble, and always willing to help others.
“He was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met,” one friend shared online. “Besim had a big heart, and his energy would light up every room he entered. It’s hard to believe he’s gone.”
Calls for Safety and Awareness
The tragic death of Besim Muminović has reignited concerns about reckless driving and speeding along the Belt Parkway, a roadway notorious for late-night racing and dangerous driving behaviors. Local residents and community leaders are calling for increased police presence, stricter enforcement of speed limits, and additional safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
“Too many lives have been lost on this stretch of road,” one community member said. “We need stronger enforcement and awareness to make sure something like this never happens again.”
Final Farewell
A prayer service (Healthy Head) will be held in honor of Besim Muminović on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Ali Pasha Mosque in Astoria, Queens. Details of the funeral will be announced later by the family.
As the Muminović family grieves the loss of their beloved son and brother, the community continues to offer prayers and support. His passing is a reminder of the fragility of life and the need for accountability and road safety on New York’s busy highways.
We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.
May Besim Muminović rest in eternal peace, and may his family find strength and comfort during this difficult time.
