In a tragic incident on the Fourth of July, a pickup truck collided into a group of celebrators at New York City's Corlears Hook Park, leaving three people dead and eight others injured. The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Daniel C. Hyden, a 44-year-old substance abuse counselor from Monmouth Junction, New Jersey.

Law enforcement sources revealed on Friday that Hyden, who had worked as a substance abuse counselor and had even authored a book on helping others overcome addiction, was charged with multiple offenses. These charges include eight counts of assault for recklessly causing serious injury with a weapon, aggravated vehicular homicide killing more than one person, driving while intoxicated, and aggravated unlicensed operator of a vehicle.

According to Hyden's Linkedin profile, he was most recently employed in residential treatment programs in Manhattan. However, the details surrounding the events leading up to the crash remain unclear.

Authorities have identified two of the deceased as Lucille Pinkney, 59, and Hernan Pinkney, 38. The third victim, a woman, has not been named yet. Among the eight injured individuals, one person is in critical condition, while the others suffered minor injuries, including an 11-year-old boy.

First responders described a devastating scene upon their arrival. The pickup truck was found on top of four victims, as per Fire Department Assistant Chief of Operations, Michael Meyers, during a press conference on Thursday. Local park-goers acted swiftly to remove Hyden from the truck and ensured he remained at the scene until emergency responders arrived.

Hyden was immediately arrested following the incident and later received medical attention for head and facial lacerations. The police confirmed that Hyden was intoxicated at the time of the crash, resulting in the serious charges lodged against him.

As investigations continue, the tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of intoxicated driving and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives.