Thursday, October 1, 2026
A Nassau County crossing guard who was struck by a pickup truck while on duty in Merrick last week has died from his injuries, authorities said.
John Miro, 70, of Massapequa, died Friday at a local hospital, eight days after the Feb. 26 crash at the intersection of Sunrise Highway and Merrick Avenue, according to Nassau County police.
Miro suffered broken ribs, a punctured lung, skull fractures and bleeding on the brain after being struck while working the morning school crossing.
In a statement posted on Facebook, CSEA Nassau Local 830 said crossing guards serve communities with courage and dedication.
“John answered that call of service, and his commitment will not be forgotten,” the statement said. “CSEA Local 830 extends our heartfelt condolences to John’s family, friends, and his fellow crossing guards during this incredibly difficult time.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he was saddened to learn of Miro’s death and ordered county flags to fly at half-staff beginning last Friday until the day of Miro’s burial.
“Sad to hear of the passing of our beloved and dedicated crossing guard, John Mirro,” he wrote in a statement. “Our hearts go out to his family and to all crossing guards who perform a great service to our young people.”
Nassau County police said Friday night that Joshua Alvarado, the driver accused of hitting Miro, is now facing upgraded charges of second-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault following the crossing guard’s death.
Alvarado, 30, of Rosedale, Queens, had previously been arrested at the scene and charged with driving while impaired by drugs after the crash. Earlier charges included second-degree vehicular assault, second-degree assault, driving while ability impaired by drugs and operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. Alvarado had pleaded not guilty to those charges during a Feb. 27 arraignment in Hempstead.
Prosecutors allege Alvarado passed out behind the wheel of his pickup truck while driving to work shortly after 8 a.m. on Feb. 26. Authorities said he was awakened by other drivers honking and then accelerated while attempting to turn, jumping the curb and striking Miro.
Police previously said Miro had just helped students cross Sunrise Highway and was returning to the sidewalk when a white Ford pickup truck mounted the curb and struck him near the Merrick Long Island Rail Road station at about 8:03 a.m.
Alvarado remained at the scene and was arrested following an investigation.
The crash forced authorities to shut down portions of Merrick Avenue and Sunrise Highway as detectives established a crime scene near the Merrick Long Island Rail Road station.
Miro was a retired tugboat operator who had worked part time as a crossing guard since 2023.
Visitation services were held Wednesday at Massapequa Funeral Home. A funeral Mass was scheduled for Thursday at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa, followed by interment at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale.
The incident occurred about one month after Nassau Police Officer Patricia Espinosa was killed by an alleged drunken driver in Suffolk County while on her way to work.
