Brooklyn dad had found religion before fatally run over while wrestling with pal

A Brooklyn dad crushed by a box truck after falling onto a roadway while wrestling with a pal had recently redevoted himself to his religious faith, stunned friends say.
Brian Irizarry, 30, was struck by a driver behind the wheel of a 2020 International MV607 truck  near Fourth Ave. and 60th St. in Sunset Park about 2:25 p.m. Friday. The truck’s wheels crushed his head, a witness told the Daily News.
“Brian’s life, though tragically brief, was filled with love, memories, and a deepening faith that brought him closer to his family and God in his final months,” a GoFundMe created to cover his funeral expenses and provide for his young son reads.
“He was a devoted father whose greatest joy was spending time with his son and creating moments that little Danny will cherish forever.”
Irizarry died at the scene. He lived in East Flatbush.
“In the last five months of his life, Brian found solace and strength in his faith. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and attended church regularly, embracing a life of purpose and love,” the GoFundMe says. “Just recently, he enjoyed a heartfelt trip to Atlanta, where he was surrounded by family, laughter, and shared memories that will now serve as a source of comfort to those who loved him.”
One relative, Mayra Cruz, expressed her grief in a Friday Facebook post.
“Brian touched so many lives with his kindness, humor, and warmth. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” she said, describing Irizarry as her husband’s cousin.” Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
A witness told the Daily News Irizarry was drinking and rough-housing with a friend, who playfully shoved him off the sidewalk. The pal realized too late that Irizarry fell into the path of the truck driver, who was going west on 60th St., witness Xochitl Mejia said.
“He pushed his friend just as the truck was coming,” Mejia said. “As he fell, his friend tried to grab him and pull him back.”
The 53-year-old driver remained on the scene. Medics took him to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn in stable condition, cops said. He has not been charged with a crime.
“Man I know him,” neighbor Russel Ross, 44, said of the victim. “I know him from the neighborhood. Good kid … Never in trouble, nothing.”
He was shocked by the circumstances of Irizarry’s death.
“Just playing?” he said. “That is so sad man. His friend probably feels horrible.”
As of Nov. 10, the city has seen 96 pedestrian deaths, up from 82 last year. Pedestrian deaths accounted for about 42 % of the city’s 227 traffic fatalities this year, according to NYPD data.