The Latino community in New York is reeling after the tragic death of Jhoanny Sara Gómez, a 16-year-old Venezuelan teenager whose life was violently cut short in the early hours of September 15, 2025, in Elmhurst, Queens.
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According to investigators, Jhoanny was intentionally struck by a driver suspected of being under the influence. The senseless act ended the life of a young girl who had come to the United States with her family in search of opportunity and safety.
Born in Venezuela, Gómez was known for her warmth, intelligence, and determination. Friends, teachers, and neighbors described her as an optimistic and hardworking student who brought laughter and kindness wherever she went. To her family, she was the heart of their home — a loving daughter, sister, and granddaughter whose presence filled every room with light.
Vigils have sprung up across Queens, with community members gathering to light candles, lay flowers, and demand justice for Jhoanny. Leaders and residents have voiced outrage over her death, calling for unity and stronger efforts to prevent tragedies caused by impaired driving.
Though her life was heartbreakingly brief, Jhoanny Sara Gómez leaves behind a legacy of hope and compassion. Her loved ones say they will honor her by keeping her dreams alive and remembering her as more than a victim — as a young woman full of promise and resilience.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash as the community rallies around her grieving family, offering prayers, support, and a shared commitment to ensuring her memory endures.