Alleged Drunk Driver Found Out His Pregnant Fiancée and Unborn Baby Died in Crash Just Before Court

Trigger warning: This story contains graphic descriptions and themes of grief that some readers may find distressing

A Staten Island, New York man, got into an accident while he was allegedly drunk driving. He was informed moments before going to court that his pregnant fiancée had died in a crash, as per PEOPLE. 

Adriana Sylmetaj died of serious traumatic injuries after his Dodge sedan crashed into a wooden pole on Staten Island, N.Y. around 4:45 a.m. on January 28, an NYPD spokesperson told Staten Island Advance. Sadly, the crash caused the unborn child to be expelled from Sylmetaj's body. The driver of the vehicle was recognized as Adem Nikeziq, 30, he was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and driving while intoxicated, among other offenses, according to CBS News. Just before walking in for his court appearance, Nikeziq's lawyer told him that Sylmetaj and their unborn child had died.

He was seen sobbing outside the courtroom when he heard the news for the first time. "I informed my client that his fiancé and unborn child had died in the accident only moments before appearing in court," Nikeziq's lawyer Mark Font told PEOPLE. "He was overcome with emotion and grief. "It is agreed that this was a horrific accident but not every accident rises to the level of criminality. As of today's date, the prosecutor has not supplied any evidence that alcohol was involved in this tragedy."

Nikeziq pled not guilty at the January 31 arraignment, according to Font. As per PEOPLE, Nikeziq and Sylmetaj's names appeared on a Buy Buy Baby online registry which meant that they were expecting a baby girl due on April 12, 2023. "She was excited when she learned she was going to be a mother. It was something new to her. She couldn't wait to see the baby born," Sylmetaj's brother, Al Sylmetaj, told the Daily News, per PEOPLE. "They were thinking about names but I don't think they came to any decision. ... They were planning on a baby shower."

He added, "She loved life, man, always happy, always outgoing. The family was all expecting the baby. My two kids — I have a 5-year-old and 6-year-old and to have another baby around, we were expecting it and looking forward to it."

Nikeziq, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital, he arrived in court being pushed in a wheelchair and wearing a hospital gown, the outlet reported.

Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Agostino reported that the victim's body was recovered at a nearby intersection, according to the New York Post. "Her severed leg was found 20 feet past her body. Her unborn child, ripped from her body, was found 20 feet past her leg." Agostino alleged that Nikeziq had already been driving recklessly after "a night of drinking" when he crashed into a barrier. Nikeziq is being held on a $400,000 cash bail or $700,000 bond. Nikeziq's next court appearance is scheduled for February 2. 

References:

https://people.com/crime/alleged-drunk-driver-told-his-pregnant-fiancee-and-unborn-child-died-in-horrific-crash-moments-before-court/

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/pregnant-woman-killed-staten-island-car-crash-driver-arrested/

https://nypost.com/2023/01/30/tragic-details-emerge-in-nyc-crash-that-killed-pregnant-woman/

Cover Image Source: Youtube | CBS New York