Teen killed in Central Park carriage horse crash was on family's first US trip

Published
June 19, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
New York City, New York
Central Park
Incident type
Crash

Summary

Car Crash New York City New York in New York City, New York: On Wednesday an 18‑year‑old Indian tourist named Romanch Mahajan was killed when the horse named Sampson bolted and tossed him from a buggy during a family carriage ride in New York City’s Central Park. The driver, Ertan Gokdepe, had asked the family to return to the carriage for a photo when the horse began inching forward; as he attempted to restrain it, the animal suddenly took off. Mahajan’s parents and 11‑year‑old brother were injured, with his mother falling first and the younger brother following after her.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Romanch Mahajan Passenger Fatal
Ertan Gokdepe Driver Unknown

Original reporting

Teen killed in Central Park carriage horse crash was on family's first US trip

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