Bicyclist killed by unhitched boat

A 21-year-old woman riding a bicycle on Staten Island was killed when a boat being towed by an SUV became unhitched and struck her.  Another woman, also on a bicycle, was injured and remains in critical condition. The deadly incident occurred Monday at about 5:18 p.m., according to police. 

Alexa Cioffi of Strawberry Lane and a friend were riding their bikes along Hyland Boulevard near Redgrave Avenue when they were struck by the boat, said police. The 22-year-old bicyclist was hit first as the Toyota SUV pulling it tried to switch lanes and pass the women.

Cioffi became pinned under the boat after it struck the other victim.

Both women were rushed to Staten Island University Hospital. Cioffi was pronounced dead and the other woman remains hospitalized in critical condition.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene. An investigation into the freak crash was underway.