Family of Irish woman killed on George Washington Avenue demands justice

Santo Domingo.- The family of Claire Paula Cullen, a 40-year-old Irish woman fatally struck by a vehicle on George Washington Avenue in Santo Domingo, is demanding justice and accountability. They claim the tragedy was caused by the high speed at which the driver was traveling.

The accident occurred early Sunday morning, November 10, 2025, when Cullen was crossing the avenue. She had arrived in the Dominican Republic to attend her brother’s wedding to Erika Peña, which was to take place the same day. However, what was meant to be a moment of celebration turned into a devastating tragedy.

According to reports, the vehicle that struck Cullen was driven by Héctor Julio Taveras Báez, who fled the scene immediately after the collision. Family members stated that authorities have yet to return the victim’s personal belongings, despite several days having passed since the incident.

The Cullen family is now completing the procedures to repatriate her body to Ireland, where she will be buried. They have urged Dominican authorities to ensure the case does not go unpunished, stressing that Cullen leaves behind a young son who is now orphaned by the tragedy.