Cardiothoracic surgeon, 56, dies two weeks after being knocked down in guest dispute
A “brilliant” heart and thoracic surgeon has died two weeks after he was knocked down in a brutal Brooklyn traffic jam.
dr. James Yun, 56, a beloved married father of two, died June 16 from traumatic brain injury he suffered in a violent June 8 fight just miles from the hospital where he worked.
Yun, a respected and gifted surgeon, was sitting in his car at the corner of Schenectady and East New York Avenue in Crown Heights around 11:30 a.m. when he and motorist Dexter Alexander, 31, got into a verbal altercation.
According to police, Yun hit the side mirror of Alexander’s car with a stick, at which point Alexander allegedly punched Yun in the face, knocking him to the pavement. Daily news reported.
When the medics arrived, they found Yun lying underneath with a massive head wound. They took him to King County Hospital, where he was originally expected to survive until his condition worsened and he died a few days later.
Dr. James Yun, 56, who suffered a road rage incident in Crown Height’s Brooklyn earlier this month, succumbed to his injuries and died on June 16.
Family and friends were devastated by his sudden and senseless loss of life, describing him as ‘brilliant’ and someone who ‘excelled at everything he did’. He is survived by his spouse Tjan, his youngsters Christopher and Lorena, as well as 5 brothers Alfonso, Julio, Enrique, Fernando and Jairo, their wives and several other cousins. He was predeceased by his dad and mom Yen Yun Chan and Cecilia Yun Ye
Yun’s life was taken by the murder of the town’s medical examiner, and Alexander was arrested and charged with assault.
It is unclear whether the attack prices for Alexander will likely be increased after Yun’s loss of life. The New York Post reported.
As a dedicated heart surgeon, Yun served his group and worked at a hospital in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Family and friends were devastated by his sudden and senseless loss of life, describing him as ‘brilliant’ and someone who ‘excelled at everything he did’.
Jun was born in Venezuela and later moved to Colombia with his dad and mom and 5 brothers. In the 1970s, they emigrated from Columbia to New York.
He was an exemplary scholar and an overachiever from the start. Yun attended the Bronx High School of Science after serving as an undergraduate faculty member, and he graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University before graduating from New York University School of Medicine.
Loved ones said: “James cared deeply about those around him.” He knew he wanted to become a doctor at a young age and make an impact on many people’s lives based on his obituary.
One of his medical professors nicknamed him “99” because his exam scores were consistently in the 99th percentile.
Jun loved being a mentor and loved being in the workroom educating medical college students to become more of themselves as role models, his family members said.
He was also identified with his quirky sense of humor and was usually the one to laugh at his own personal jokes.
Yun was a reliable householder and an inexperienced heart surgeon. One of his neighbors called him a “great man”
The corner of Schnectady and East New York in Crown Heights, Brooklyn (pictured) is the site of the June 8 visitor accident that later killed Dr. James Youn, a respected and dedicated coronary heart surgeon.
“Family was everything to Jaime and his children were the light of his life. He beamed with pride after both of his children went to his alma mater and were excited to recount their days as a Lion,” his obituary reveals.
“He has visited campus many times over the last five years to hang out at his son’s dorm and watch his daughter play lacrosse. He was an enthusiastic spectator and his enthusiasm was contagious to many outsiders.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was described as “selfish” by his family, neighbors in Manhasset and patients.
Neighbor Vihas Patel called him a “great man”.
Many paid respect to the particular person Yun became a online tribute e book.
“During this time of grief, let’s remember Dr. Jamie as the unique and wonderful person he was—always quick with a smile or sharing his wisdom gently but confidently,” a detailed friend wrote.
He will probably be remembered for his good nature, as well as his great mind and dedication to work.
“Memories of warm teddy bear hugs will comfort us in our grief. Dr. Jaime’s friendly presence in the background has brightened our lives and we will miss him greatly.
Another wrote: “James was one of the kindest, smartest and funniest people I have ever met. He had such great thoughts and was so dedicated to his work as a cardiothoracic surgeon.
“He really enjoyed working and helping people. One of them is Stu. It touched my heart when he and Stu got along so well, as if they had known each other forever. James will be missed so much, but knowing Stu, he will hang out with Jamie and freestyle together I guess.
Jun is survived by his spouse Tjan, his youngsters Christopher and Lauren and 5 brothers Alfonso, Julio, Enrique, Fernando and Jairo, their wives and several other cousins. He was predeceased by his dad and mom Yen Yun Yun Chang and Cecilia Yun Yee.
A vigil was held Friday at Fairchild Funeral Home in Manhasset, followed by his burial in the chapel. A private graveside service was held Sunday at Flushing Cemetery.
