Ryan Carson, a 32-year-old social justice advocate and poet, tragically lost his life on October 4, 2023, in a shocking incident that has left many wondering why.
He was employed by the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), a non-profit organization devoted to championing environmental and consumer causes.
The heart-wrenching event occurred on a Brooklyn street as Carson was returning from a wedding on Long Island, alongside his girlfriend.
According to the police, the assailant, described as a man wearing a dark hooded jacket, was initially observed kicking and toppling parked scooters near a bus stop at Malcolm X Boulevard and Lafayette Avenue in Crown Heights. Subsequently, the stranger confronted Carson and his girlfriend, inquiring about their gaze.
This confrontation took a horrific turn as the attacker resorted to violence, repeatedly stabbing Carson in the chest with a knife before swiftly fleeing the scene. The NYPD has released surveillance footage of the incident and is currently intensively searching for the suspect.
Despite immediate medical attention at Kings County Hospital Center, Ryan Carson could not be saved, while his girlfriend, thankfully, escaped physical harm but endured significant emotional trauma.
The motive behind this shocking attack remains obscure, with some sources speculating that the suspect may have been mentally disturbed or involved in a domestic dispute preceding the assault.
Ryan Carson’s memory lives on through the fond recollections of his colleagues, friends, and family. He was a fervent and committed activist, tirelessly advocating for various causes, including the expansion and modernization of the state’s bottle deposit law, enhancing recycling and solid waste management, and championing students’ rights.
In addition to his activism, he was a talented poet who frequently performed at open mic events. Holding a degree in graphic design from Pratt Institute, he also worked as a freelance designer.
The news of Ryan Carson’s untimely death reverberated on social media, evoking shock and sorrow as many deemed it a senseless tragedy. Some raised concerns about the city’s crime prevention and mental health services, suggesting they had failed to protect not only Carson but also other innocent victims.
Mayor Eric Adams, who had collaborated with Carson on environmental issues, paid tribute, describing him as “a creative, talented, relentless, and upbeat advocate for students and the environment.” He further expressed that Carson’s death was an “unthinkable” loss to the community.