A devastating car crash in the Deer Park area of Long Island, New York, has left four people dead and nine others injured. The incident occurred around 4:32 p.m. on Friday when Steven Schwally, a 64-year-old resident of Dix Hills, was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse at high speed. According to the Suffolk County Police Department, Schwally lost control of the vehicle, crossed over a lane, sped through a parking lot, and ultimately crashed through the front window of Hawaii Nail & Spa.
Victims and Response
The crash’s immediate aftermath was catastrophic. A physician assistant from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s office pronounced three women and one man dead at the scene. Eight victims were transported to local hospitals, and one was airlifted by the Suffolk County police helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital. Schwally himself was taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have charged him with driving while intoxicated, and he is set to be arraigned once a date is assigned.
As of the latest update, the Suffolk County Police Department has not provided further information on the status of the injured victims.
Remembering the Victims
The Suffolk County Police Department has identified the four victims killed in the crash:
- Jiancai Chen, 37, of Bayside, Queens
- Emilia Rennhack, 30, of Deer Park
- Yan Xu, 41, of Flushing, Queens
- Meizi Zhang, 50, of Flushing, Queens
Among the deceased is NYPD Officer Emilia Rennhack, who served at the 102nd precinct in Queens. Her tragic death has led to an outpouring of condolences and tributes. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman honored her service in a Facebook post, saying, “Rest in Peace NYPD Officer Emilia Rennhack. Officer Rennhack was sadly killed by a drunk driver in Suffolk County. Let us remember her service and sacrifice on behalf of our safety.”
Condolences to the Officer
Veronica Watson Figueroa, a fellow officer, shared a poignant message, revealing that Rennhack was preparing for a wedding at the time of the incident: “I’m so sorry this happened to you, my sister in blue. She was getting her nails done for an upcoming wedding when a drunk driver crashed his minivan into the nail salon.”
Andrew Garbarino, a former New York State Assemblyman, also expressed his condolences on Facebook: “My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and co-workers of NYPD Officer Emilia Rennhack, whose life was taken far too soon by a drunk driver while off-duty. We mourn this tragic loss and thank Officer Rennhack for her distinguished service – may she Rest in Peace. Please keep Officer Rennhack, the additional victims of this accident, and their loved ones in your prayers.”
Community Impact
This tragic accident has left the Deer Park community and beyond in mourning. The sudden and violent loss of life serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of drunk driving. As investigations continue and the community grapples with the loss, the memories of those who perished will be cherished by their loved ones and colleagues. The incident underscores the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of impaired driving.