Family of ex-Cuomo staffer killed by car after being ordered out of a Lyft on highway give heartbreaking tribute
DEVASTATED family members of an ex-Andrew Cuomo staffer who was hit and killed by a car after being kicked out of a Lyft on a busy highway have issued a heartbreaking tribute to the father-of-two.
Sidney Wolf, 43, died in the early hours of Sunday morning shortly after he and a group of five friends got into a dispute with their Lyft driver in Dewey Beach, Delaware.
The source of the dispute remains unclear but the driver suddenly stopped in the left lane of Coastal Highway at around 1.44am and ordered Wolf and his friends to get out.
As Wolf and his friends stepped out of the car, an oncoming Toyota Corolla swerved to avoid the Lyft, striking Wolf who was standing in the middle of the road.
The 27-year-old driver of the Toyota stayed on the scene but the Lyft driver fled.
Wolf, a former senior policy advisor to shamed ex-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, was pronounced dead at the scene. His five friends were all unharmed.
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Wolf's father, Alan Freed, issued a gut-wrenching tribute to The US Sun in an emailed statement on Wednesday.
"Sid was a wonderful, warm, outgoing, smart man with a huge heart and a great love of his friends and, most of all, his family," wrote Freed.
"He was the finest father I've ever seen."
When asked what the family's quest for justice may look like for Wolf in the wake of his tragic death, Freed added: "[I] am not at all focused on justice.
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"Our son is gone and we are focused on healing."
FLEEING DRIVER FOUND
The driver of the Lyft has since been identified by Delaware State Police (DSP) and is described as being "cooperative" with investigators.
In a statement, DSP said that no charges have been filed so far and the driver will not be named by authorities unless they are charged.
"Whether or not charges will be filed will be determined as the investigation unfolds," a spokesperson said.
"This may take several months as the case continues to be investigated."
As the probe continues, Lyft announced that the driver in question has been permanently banned from working for the ride-sharing service.
The company said it has been left "heartbroken" over the news of Wolf's death and said it was assisting law enforcement with their investigation.
“Our hearts are with Mr. Wolf’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and we’ve reached out to offer our support,” a company spokesperson added.
'A GREAT HUSBAND'
Wolf worked for the Cuomo administration from 2019 to 2021.
He also recently worked on the re-election campaign for Montgomery County Councilmember Sidney Katz.
In a tweet responding to news of his death, Cuomo said he was "shocked & saddened to hear this tragic news."
"Sid was a phenomenal public servant who worked relentlessly for the betterment of all New Yorkers," he said.
"My heart goes out to Lindsey and his two young daughters."
Neighbors of Wolf's have set up a GoFundMe page to help his family, which as of early Wednesday evening had raised almost $70,000 of its $150,000 goal.
Cuomo was among the donors, pledging $500 towards the cause and even promoted the fundraiser on his Twitter page.
The nameless organizer of the GoFundMe paid tribute to Wolf, remembering him as someone who "always had a smile on his face."
"[Sid] was a great husband, father, friend, and neighbor to so many of us. We hope to raise enough funds so that Lindsey does not have to worry about household expenses right now," the caption reads.
"The family wants to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous outpouring of support from their friends and loved ones during this time."
'I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS'
Wolf's sister, Brooke Freed, also paid a heartbreaking tribute to her brother in a post on social media.
"My brother was someone I always looked up to. The guy would walk into a room and instantly became everyone’s favorite person. It used to drive me crazy and then I realized … I want to be just like that.
"I have soooo many thoughts and feelings going through my mind. I can’t believe I’m writing this.
"I can’t believe this has happened. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers.
"I lost not just my brother but a role model and a friend and a source of comfort and wisdom. I can’t even get all of my thoughts out… I have so much to say.
"I love you Sid. This should never have happened and a part of me is missing and I will forever miss you."
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Wolf lived in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with his wife and two young daughters.
He was also a coach for a local youth hockey team.
