A New Jersey graduate student was reportedly among the eight people killed Tuesday when a truck barreled down a Manhattan bike path and ran over cyclists.

Speaking to the New York Daily News moments after leaving the coroner’s office, Barbara Drake described her late son, Darren Drake, 32, as a “wonderful person.” Barbara, 69, explained that her slain son worked as a project manager and would bike between meetings.

Jimmy Drake cried at times while speaking about who he called “the perfect son.”

“He was the most innocent, delicate kid in the world,” he said while holding back tears.

“I hope he didn’t feel any pain.”

Jimmy recalled hearing of the terrorist attack and heading to New York after not hearing from their son by 7 p.m. The heartbroken father claimed he learned that his son was among the victims upon visiting the morgue, NJ.com reported.

Darren graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in political science and received a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He was working toward a second master’s degree from Stevens Institute of Technology at the time of his death, his mother said.

Jimmy reminisced about the family eating dinner every night and how they would frequently discuss politics. Barbara claimed that her son was listening to an audiobook of 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus as he traveled down the bike path Tuesday.

The university released a statement in light of the 32-year-old’s senseless death. It read:

“Rutgers is deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless loss of Darren Drake and we express our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Darren was an exceptional graduate, a leader in his community, and had a bright future ahead of him.”

Darren will be laid to rest on Monday.

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