MORRIS HEIGHTS, the Bronx (PIX11) – A man stabbed to death in the Bronx Tuesday was the father of a 2-year-old girl who’s being remembered for his “kind heart” and “generous spirit,” a GoFundMe page said.
Ronald Gomez-Mesa, 29, was fatally stabbed at West Tremont Avenue and Phelan Place in Morris Heights around 4:30 p.m., according to the NYPD. The stabbing happened after a minor fender bender, which led to a fight that quickly escalated.
A woman who was involved in the fender bender called her boyfriend to the scene. Witnesses said the woman’s boyfriend went on a violent rampage after a man on a scooter threw something at him. The boyfriend started hitting bystanders who were recording the incident with their cellphones.
Gomez-Mesa was sitting down looking on when the boyfriend approached him. Surveillance video showed Gomez-Mesa get up and swing at the boyfriend.
Gomez-Mesa was later stabbed in the chest, police said. He was rushed to a hospital but couldn’t be saved.
No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
A candle memorial has been growing in honor of Gomez-Mesa, who was a resident of Morris Heights.
Gomez-Mesa was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the U.S. to join his family in 2010, according to the GoFundMe created to help his family with funeral costs and medical bills.
Gomez-Mesa was a “devoted father to his 2-year-old daughter, who will deeply miss her father's guidance and love,” the GoFundMe said.
A cousin of Gomez-Mesa told PIX11 News that he was loved by everyone and his family is devastated over his death. The cousin said Gomez-Mesa always tried to help people.
“Throughout his life, Ronald was known for his kind heart, warm smile, and generous spirit. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched,” the GoFundMe said.
Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.
