Inwood resident dies after Cedarhurst truck crash

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Inwood resident Henry Owens died on July 25 from injuries he sustained after he was ejected from a Sanitary District 1 sanitation truck near the intersection of Burnside Avenue and  Rockaway Turnpike after being hit by a semi tractor-trailer as Owens was backing into a location at 4:55 a.m., on July 23 in Cedarhurst.

Owens, 67, sustained multiple injuries and was taken by a Nassau County police ambulance to a nearby hospital, police said.  As of press time, funeral arrangements were unknown, said George Pappas, Sanitary District 1 superintendent.

“Henry was a beloved part of the Sanitary District 1 family for over 40 years and was loved and respected by all,” Pappas said. “He was a gentle giant and he will be missed by all.”

Fellow Inwood resident Sasha Yong considered Owens an “amazing guy,” who was “hardworking, honest and funny.” “You can’t find a more supportive and caring granddad,” said Young, who watches one of Owens grandson’s play basketball at the Five Towns Community Center in Lawrence through the current Police Athletic League program and had another Owens grandson in one of Young’s classes at the  Lawrence Primary School at the Number Two School. 

Owens was known to be a mentor to younger employees, including Edwin Rodriguez, who also serves as a volunteer at the Community Center, Young said. “[Owens] picked up our boxes routinely at the center,” she said, adding, “this just stinks.” 

The driver of the other vehicle remained at scene, police said, noting the investigation is continuing.