Queens, N.Y. woke up this weekend to heartbreaking news. Dr. Ashraf Hussein, a 57-year-old veterinarian known across the borough for his tireless care and generosity, was found dead inside a mobile veterinary van. A dog he was treating was also found deceased. Authorities say heavy snow blocked the van’s exhaust, leading to deadly carbon monoxide exposure.
Dr. Hussein had been working inside the mobile clinic during a snowstorm, doing what he had done for years without complaint. Investigators believe the exhaust became clogged by snow, trapping toxic fumes inside the vehicle. By the time help arrived, it was too late for him and the dog.
Another veterinarian, Dr. Garo Alexanian, who owns the mobile clinic, was also inside the van and exposed to the gas. He managed to crawl out and get help. He was taken to the hospital and is now recovering, according to officials.
Emergency responders found Dr. Hussein unresponsive when they arrived. Life-saving efforts were made at the scene, but he was pronounced dead. The New York Police Department and the medical examiner continue to review the circumstances, though authorities say the incident appears to be a tragic accident.
Dr. Hussein’s life story is one of quiet service. Born in Egypt, he came to the United States in the 1990s and built a career centered on helping animals in underserved communities. He worked long hours, often seven days a week, offering low-cost veterinary care so pets would not suffer simply because their owners could not afford treatment.
Colleagues say he never let weather, fatigue, or personal comfort get in the way. At Aadobe Animal Hospital, where he was deeply respected, staff described him as passionate, warm, and endlessly committed. His work, they said, was driven by love, not profit.
His wife, Marwa Mansour, said his devotion to animals defined him. Even during harsh winters, she said, he never hesitated to go out and help. Snow, cold, and long nights were just part of the job to him, because caring for animals mattered that much.
Dr. Hussein leaves behind his wife, Marwa, and their children, including his eldest son, Mahmoud Hussein. His death has sent waves of grief through Queens and beyond, touching families who trusted him with their pets and colleagues who saw him as a model of compassion.
As the community mourns, many are remembering Dr. Ashraf Hussein not for how he died, but for how he lived. He showed up. He kept going. And he cared deeply, right to the very end.
