Metro
Two teens killed in a horrific crash with a wrong-way, drunk pick-up truck driver on Long Island have been identified as much-loved eighth graders known for their talent on the tennis court.
Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz, both 14, were passengers in a 2019 Alfa Romeo when Amandeep Singh, 34, slammed his 2019 Dodge Ram into their ride as he headed south in the northbound lanes on North Broadway in Jericho Wednesday night, authorities said.
A 16- and 17-year-old boy also inside the sedan suffered internal injuries, and were in stable condition at a local hospital, cops said.
After that smash-up, the teens’ vehicle went on to hit a 2023 Volvo, with a 49-year-old woman and 16-year-old boy inside, police said.
Both were treated for minor injuries.
“Probably one of the most catastrophic scenes I’ve seen in a long time,” Nassau Det. Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said during a Thursday press conference, according to WABC. “It was almost like the car exploded, that’s how fast the driver hit that car with these kids in it.”
The teens had stopped for a bite to eat after a local tennis event, and were on their way home when the fatal crash unfolded, WABC reported.
The 17-year-old, who was driving, while the 16-year-old was in the left rear of the vehicle.
Hassenbein and Falkowitz – seated on the right side in the front and back — took the brunt of the crash, according to the outlet.
Both 14-year-olds played on the varsity soccer team at Roslyn High School.
“It is with the heaviest hearts that we share the passing of two of Sportime Roslyn’s most talented players, Ethan Falkowitz and Drew Hassenbein,” Sportime Roslyn, a local tennis club, posted on Facebook. “These were extremely special boys who were best friends and who will be missed greatly by our entire community. Drew and Ethan started playing here at our club as five and six-year-olds, and they had become (as eighth graders!) two of the top players on Roslyn’s High School’s varsity tennis team, the top team on Long Island!”
Tyler Hill Camp, a sleep-away camp in Pennsylvania, shared a tribute to Falkowitz, “a long-time camper” there.
“Everyone who ever came in contact with Ethan knew him as a kid who warmed up every room he entered with his smile and amazing personality,” the tribute said. “He was kind and thoughtful and a camper who was loved by everyone at Tyler Hill. Ethan lit up our tennis courts, our stage and everywhere else in camp he set foot. He was an incredible son, brother, cousin, friend, bunkmate and more.”
Timber Lake Camp in the Catskills remembered Hassenbein fondly.
“Those of us who knew Drew saw in him great promise, not only due to his exceptional talents in tennis, where he was a nationally ranked player, but as a kind, thoughtful and much-admired friend to so many,” the memorial post said. “Simply, Drew was a great kid from a great and loving family whose bright, promising future was cut short by such a senseless tragedy.”
Singh initially left the scene of the fatal crash – but police found him a short distance away and arrested him, according to a criminal complaint.
According to the court document, he had glassy, bloodshot eyes, a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, blood on his shirt and a cut on the back of his head.
He admitted to drinking and was found to have a 0.18 percent blood alcohol level, the complaint said.
Singh was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, first-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, leaving the scene of an auto accident with a fatality, driving while intoxicated and two counts of second-degree assault, police said.
He was ordered held without bail at his Thursday arraignment and is due back in court Monday.
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