Shock, Anguish After 5 Young People Die In Head-On Crash In Quogue; ‘Just Unbelievable’ – CBS New York

QUOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) – Anguished pals and family returned to the devastating scene Monday with tearful gestures of help, unable to fathom that 5 younger individuals are lifeless and a sixth is clinging to life, following a weekend head-on crash on a curve alongside Montauk Freeway within the Village of Quogue.

“They did all the pieces proper. They completely did all the pieces proper. Unbelievable, unfathomable. The Kiess’s misplaced their solely son, the Farrells misplaced two out of three of their boys, and we’re all praying for Brianna,” mentioned Kathy Grey, a household pal from Manhasset.

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The hamlet of Manhasset is in mourning. The tragic collision claimed the lives of two brothers and their greatest pal. All three had been sport stars at Manhasset Excessive College, and went on to varsity stardom: Michael Farrell, 20, James Farrell, 25, and Ryan Kiess, 25.

Ryan’s 22-year-old girlfriend Brianna Maglio of Backyard Metropolis, a neonatal nurse who performed school lacrosse at Scranton, stays in crucial situation.

The 4 had been celebrating the Kiess’s new Remsenberg house, cleaned up after the household get together, referred to as an Uber at 11 p.m. to take them dancing in close by Southampton. Skilled Uber driver Farhan Zahid, 32, a father of three, responded in his Toyota Prius.

“It’s an enormous loss. Simply unbelievable. Can’t think about he’s no extra. I nonetheless assume he’s round me and is coming again,” mentioned his widow Hifsa Ahmed.

As Farhan drove eastbound by means of Quogue, his Uber was struck head on by 22-year-old driver and sole occupant of a Nissan Maxima Justin Mendez, of Shirley, who apparently veered into oncoming visitors.

Quogue police are figuring out if extreme velocity was the trigger. His mother and father are devastated.

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“I don’t understand how what occurred, however I don’t need anybody to assume any much less of my son, as a result of he was an excellent boy. He was our all the pieces,” Justin’s father Octavio Perez mentioned.

“He didn’t reside to see, this as a result of the guilt would have simply chewed him up. He most likely wouldn’t have been in a position to perform, taken any individual else’s life. My son was very humble,” mentioned Justin’s mom Aida Perez.

Locals are calling the curve treacherous.

“It’s a really, very exhausting curve, particularly at evening. Exhausting to see the vehicles coming. At minimal, ought to have a severe yellow gentle continually flashing,” mentioned Quogue resident Lynn Mestel.

State Police are aiding Quogue police with accident reconstruction, and plan to carry a briefing Tuesday.

The grieving mother and father are in shock and understandably unable to comprise their feelings.

“That is an unthinkable tragedy each personally and professionally for me. I had the pleasure of realizing Michael, James and Ryan, in addition to their households, whereas college students from Seventh-Twelfth grades and past. These boys come from beloved households who’re extraordinarily linked and valued members of our neighborhood.  All three of them had been enjoyable, vibrant and well-rounded gents each on and off the enjoying subject and can go away a profound and optimistic affect on our faculty neighborhood. I’m actually saddened over their losses and ship my most honest condolences to their households, pals, and family members,” mentioned Manhasset Secondary College Principal Dean Schlanger.

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“Our ideas are with Mr. Zahid and the 4 others who misplaced their lives on this heartbreaking crash, and we hope the survivor makes a full restoration,” mentioned an Uber spokesperson.