What Happened
Michael Schmid, 51, of Oakdale was ejected from his 2021 Dodge Ram on Riverview Court in Oakdale on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at 1:22 p.m. after losing control of the southbound truck, Suffolk County Police said. The truck left the roadway and struck several trees. Schmid was thrown from the vehicle on impact.
Greater Long Island reported that Schmid suffered traumatic injuries and was transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, where he remains in critical condition. His family told the outlet he faces multiple surgeries and a long recovery. No timeline for discharge has been released.
Schmid is a real estate agent and mortgage broker who works across Long Island, according to Greater Long Island. His absence from work adds a financial strain on top of his medical needs. His wife, Kelly, is now managing the household and caring for the couple’s three children, Michael, Kennedy, and Leighton, while also spending time at her husband’s bedside in Bay Shore.
Family friend Evangeline Dowd launched a GoFundMe on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2026, six days after the crash. In the campaign description, Dowd wrote: “Their world has been turned upside down. With Michael expected to be out of work for a while, this family is now facing the emotional weight of his injuries and the growing stress of everyday expenses.” She added that raised funds will help cover medical bills and living costs so Kelly Schmid can focus on her husband’s recovery rather than household finances.
The community response moved fast. By the time Greater Long Island published its report, the campaign had logged 191 donations from family members, friends, and strangers and pushed past $25,000. “Your support, prayers, and kindness will mean so much to Michael and his family as they face the difficult days ahead,” Dowd wrote.
Suffolk County Police confirmed the basic facts of the crash — the 1:22 p.m. time, the southbound direction on Riverview Court, the loss of control, the ejection, and the tree strikes — but have not publicly stated whether speed, a medical event, or another factor contributed to Schmid losing control of the Ram.
Location & Road Context
Riverview Court is a residential street in Oakdale, a hamlet in the Town of Islip in central-southern Suffolk County. The road runs near the Great South Bay waterfront and carries predominantly local traffic. The prior coverage of this incident filed Aug. 28 placed the crash in the same block. No closures or ramp impacts on connecting arterial roads were reported in connection with this crash.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
Suffolk County Police confirmed the crash details but have not announced any charges or identified a cause of the loss of control as of Aug. 31, 2026. No arrests have been reported. The department has not released a final crash reconstruction report.
Broader Impact
Schmid’s ejection from the 2021 Dodge Ram without a retained occupant restraint is the proximate mechanism of his traumatic injuries. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1229-c requires seat belt use for all vehicle occupants; police have not stated publicly whether Schmid was belted at the time of the crash.