Young Greek-American Killed in Tragic NYC Car Accident

George Tiras, a 25-year old Greek-American from New York City, was killed following a car accident on Friday morning.

The tragic accident took place on Friday at around 12:30 PM. His BMW was driven by his friend and Tiras was on the passenger seat, when the car collided with a tractor-trailer, killing both passengers instantly.

Tiras was the son of well-known Greek businessman Mike Tiras, who owns the Victory Food Service, importing Greek food products.

The causes of the tragic car accident which claimed the Greek-American’s life are still being investigated.

Second Greek-American to die in a car accident in NYC this month

Unfortunately, this is not the first time the Greek-American community in New York has been shocked and saddened by a death.

A Greek-American police officer with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) was fatally struck in a hit-and-run incident in the early morning hours on April 23.

“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of a valued member of @NYPDHighway Unit #3, Police Officer Anastasios Tsakos, whom was killed in the line of duty this morning on the Long Island Expressway,” Inspector Nicole Papamichael, commander of Tsakos’ unit, tweeted after his death.

Police officer Anastasios Tsakos, 43, was on the Long Island Expressway in Queens directing traffic away before 2 AM on April 23. NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said that the motorist who struck Tsakos was driving while intoxicated on a suspended driver’s license.

Shea explained that Tsakos was responding with his fellow officer to the scene of a car crash that killed one motorist and the vehicle burst into flames. Tsakos was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital in Queens where doctors were unable to save his life.

The New York Times identified the motorist as 32-year old Jessica Beauvais of Hempstead, NY. Beauvais is now facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, reckless endangerment and driving while intoxicated.

The condolences for Officer Tsakos began to pour in from across the state and country with several outside police departments tweeting their sympathy. Shea described Tsakos as an “extremely highly regarded member” of his unit.

The Greek-American community also extended its condolences after the death of Officer Tsakos on Tuesday as well.

“The tragic death of NYPD Officer Anastasios Tsakos, while serving his community, reminds us that first responders, police, fire, medical, always place their lives on the line. May his memory be eternal,” Archbishop Elpidophoros of America wrote on Facebook.

Tsakos had been a member of the NYPD for fourteen years, according to the department. He is survived by two children, aged 3 and 6, and his wife Irene. The New York Times reports that Officer Tsakos is the first NYPD member to have been killed while on duty this year.