Vet dies after S.I. bus crash

A DECORATED National Guardsman who earned the Bronze Star in Iraq died a day after his van collided head-on with a city bus in Staten Island, police said.

Marcus Brown, 33, a Brooklyn native who survived a 2008 attack and tried desperately to save the lives of his fellow soldiers, died Saturday of injuries he sustained in the Friday crash.

“He was selfless. He just had a good heart, he really did,” said his mom, Michelle Brown. “He didn’t have one best friend, he loved all his friends. They were all his best friends. He loved each one individually and as a group. That’s why they loved him so much.”

Police said Brown was speeding when he lost control of his van at about 7 a.m. on Arthur Kill Road at Johnson St. in Rossville. He crossed into opposing traffic and hit an S74 bus head-on, cops said.

Brown (photo) was pinned inside the van and mortally injured. His two passengers suffered minor injuries, as did the bus driver, according to police.

Brown graduated from Port Richmond High School, and he remained active in the National Guard after his service in Iraq. He worked as a truck driver for Arizona Iced Tea, his family said.

In August 2008, he received the Bronze Star for his actions after an IED hit his vehicle, killing his commanding officer, Capt. Andrew Pearson, and the vehicle’s driver, Spc. Ronald Tucker. Though injured, Brown opened the rear escape hatch and tried to free Tucker, then established a security perimeter to prevent a second attack, according to military brass.

Sean Kilcullen, owner of the Bungalow 18 bar in Great Kills, described Brown as a friend and generous, happygo-lucky soul.

“If you lived on Staten Island, you knew Marcus Brown,” said Kilcullen. “Marcus is just the kindest, most giving soul you would ever meet in your life.”

Brown was supposed to host a “USA Bingo” night to raise funds for veterans’ charities at the bar on Nov. 12, and Kilcullen said he’s now planning to hold the event annually to honor his fallen friend.

“I don’t care where I’m working, I don’t care where I’ll be, I will make sure there will be a place for him,” Kilcullen said.