A family vacation to New York City ended in heartbreaking tragedy when an 18-year-old tourist from India lost his life while trying to save his mother after a horse-drawn carriage bolted through Central Park.

Romanch Mahajan was visiting the city with his parents when they booked one of New York’s iconic horse-and-carriage rides. What began as a sightseeing excursion quickly turned into a nightmare when the horse suddenly became spooked and ran off while the carriage driver was outside the vehicle.

According to Romanch’s father, Deepak Mahajan, the family was terrified as the carriage sped out of control.

“We were yelling, ‘Help me, help me!’” Deepak Mahajan told The New York Times.

As the horse raced through the park, Romanch’s mother, Priya, fell from the carriage. In a desperate attempt to help her, the teenager jumped from the moving buggy.

“My son, just to save his mother, he fell off,” Deepak Mahajan said. “He was screaming, ‘Mom!’”

Romanch struck his head after falling to the ground. He was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he later died from blunt force trauma. The New York City medical examiner ruled his death accidental.

Video footage captured the frightening moments as the horse raced onto the sidewalk and across the park’s grassy areas. The carriage driver is seen chasing the runaway horse before the carriage crashes.

Investigators are now examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The carriage driver’s union said members are never permitted to leave their vehicles while on duty.

“It appears the driver was at least at arm’s length from his horse. This is unacceptable,” Alexander Kemp, vice president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, said in a statement. “A driver is not supposed to leave the carriage to take photos — ever. We support a full investigation.”

The union confirmed the driver has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The horse involved, a 7-year-old named Sampson, has been retired from service.

When approached by reporters, driver Ertan Gokdepe declined to comment. However, a union representative speaking on his behalf said the veteran coachman was devastated by the accident.

“He’s been driving a carriage for 20 years. Nothing like this has ever happened to him,” the representative said. “Nothing like this has ever happened to our industry. So it’s just awful.”

The tragedy has reignited debate over New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry. Animal-rights advocates and some city officials have renewed calls for passage of Ryder’s Law, legislation that would phase out horse-drawn carriages in the city.

Manhattan Councilman Christopher Marte responded to the accident by saying, “Enough is enough. This is yet another serious and terrifying incident involving a carriage horse in Central Park.”

The investigation into the crash continues, but one detail remains painfully clear. As danger unfolded around him, Romanch’s instinct was to help. His father’s account of a son shouting, “Mom!” before jumping from the carriage offers a heartbreaking glimpse into the love that defined his final moments.

Heavenly Father, be near to the Mahajan family as they mourn. May Your love, comfort, and peace sustain them in the days ahead. Amen.