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Incident location, Long Island
What Happened
A 19-year-old East Hampton High School student died and six other young people were injured when a Toyota Camry packed with seven passengers flipped over and struck a tree on Sunday night in East Hampton, according to police.
East Hampton police say an 18-year-old driver was operating a 2009 Toyota Camry on Old Stone Highway in the Springs section of East Hampton when he lost control of the vehicle near Deep Six Drive. Prosecutors said the driver had been at the beach with friends and admitted to drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel with seven passengers crammed into his car.
According to authorities, the driver ended up on the wrong side of the road. When he encountered an oncoming vehicle, he attempted to swerve back into the proper lane but lost control and slammed into a tree, NBC New York reports.
Two passengers had to be extricated from the wreckage. One passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. An 18-year-old woman also had to be pulled from the vehicle and was airlifted to the hospital in serious condition, though she is expected to survive, according to police. Five other passengers, all East Hampton residents between the ages of 15 and 19, were transported to a hospital for treatment of various injuries and are expected to recover.
The driver, a graduate of East Hampton High School, was arrested at the scene and arraigned Monday on charges of driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child passenger less than 16, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was ordered held on $400,000 bail. Court observers reported that the driver was visibly sobbing and shaking during his arraignment, barely able to stand. His attorney said he was distraught over what happened and that his family apologized to the family of the deceased teen.
East Hampton High School Principal Sara Smith sent a letter to the school community announcing the death of one of its “beloved students” and the injuries to others. “There are no words that can fully express the sorrow we feel for the family, friends, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking loss,” Smith wrote. “During times like these, we are reminded of how strong and united the East Hampton community truly is. We come together to lift each other up, support one another, and provide comfort in the face of unimaginable grief.”
Location & Road Context
The crash occurred on Old Stone Highway near Deep Six Drive in the Springs section of East Hampton. Old Stone Highway serves as a main thoroughfare connecting residential areas to local beaches in the eastern Hamptons community.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
The vehicle has been impounded for a safety inspection and the investigation remains ongoing, according to East Hampton police. The driver faces multiple charges related to impaired driving and child endangerment due to the presence of passengers under 16 years old in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Broader Impact
East Hampton High School has made grief counselors available for on-site counseling to help students and staff cope with the loss of their classmate and the injuries sustained by other members of the school community.