Heartbroken family breaks down pleads for changes to NYC horse carriage rides after son's death

Published: 00:23, 16 July 2026 | Updated: 00:23, 16 July 2026 A heartbroken family was in tears while demanding changes to New York City's famous horse carriage rides after their teenage loved one died during a ride through the park that went horribly wrong. The parents, aunts, and uncles of 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan gave emotional statements at a City Council hearing on Wednesday, begging to move forward with a bill that can shut down the 150-year-old industry. 'I want you to imagine what it is like watching your son die in front of you,' the victim's father, Deepak Mahajan, said over Zoom. His son died during a ride on June 16 after their carriage driver had stopped to take a photo of the family, who were visiting from India, when the horse suddenly bolted with them inside. Romanch jumped out of the carriage to save his mother, who had fallen out. He hit his head on the ground and was later pronounced dead. The family members are now hoping that Romanch's Law can be passed to prevent anyone from facing the same tragedy. 'I cannot properly describe to you the real true fear inside that carriage. It was shaking, it was speeding, there was no one holding the reins, and we could do nothing but hold onto each other and scream,' Mahajan said. The victim's aunt also spoke, struggling as she cried in front of the council. She asked that her nephew's name not be forgotten and described the darkness that has been left over their family since the teen's death. The parents, aunts, and uncles of 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan gave emotional statements at a City Council hearing on Wednesday, in New York City. Romanch's aunt is pictured in tears trying to give a statement  Romanch Mahajan died on June 16 in New York City after he flew out of a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park  Council Member Christopher Marte will introduce the bill as its lead sponsor, which, if passed, would phase out horse-drawn carriages by June 1, 2028, according to records cited by NBC4. The incident reignited the debate over Central Park's horse-drawn carriage industry. Opponents say the rides are both inhumane to horses and dangerous to city residents. Dozens gathered from both sides with signs protesting or supporting the proposal. Carriage industry leaders said that the incident emphasizes the need for better protections, such as hitching posts. Christina Hansen, a spokesperson for TWU Local 100, previously said at a press conference that they have taken steps to make sure that the carriages remain 'the safest form of transportation in Midtown, Manhattan.' Romanch's death is the first fatality linked to the carriage rides since they were introduced more than a century ago, according to the labor union that represents the industry and the Central Park Conservancy. According to NBC4, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani supported the intent of the proposal but had concerns over the impact it would have on those in the industry. Guarv Mahajan, Mahajan's uncle, previously called out Mamdani during his remarks on the incident. 'I just want to ask one thing to Mayor Mamdani and to the Speaker: What does it take? What's the cost? What's the price to make sure this never happens again?' the grieving uncle said. 'We've already paid the price with the loss of our child. He's gone. We're never going to be able to bring him back. What happens now? Do we just move on and call it a day?' City officials reopened the rides only a week after the incident.  During the shutdown, drivers attended meetings and discussions with union representatives, according to a Transport Workers Union statement. According to The New York Times, the meeting is the first step before the council comes to a decision on whether to send the bill to the floor for a full vote. Romanch's death was followed several recent horse-related problems in the park, including the fatal collapse of a horse, which died after eating a toxic plant  Romanch was with his family enjoying the horse and carriage ride before the animal got spoked and took off running before crashing into another carriage His family are demanding that the 150-year-old horse-drawn carriage industry be shut down (Pictured are Mahajan's mother and father) The animal had ingested foliage from a Japanese Yew, the report by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, which was circulated by the TWU Local 100, said. The horse, named Deniz, was under the care of carriage driver Nurettin Kirbiyik on the East Drive of the park on June 9 when the animal collapsed and died.