Scarleth S. Urgiles, of East Hampton, killed in crash that injures 6 others - Newsday
A 19-year-old East Hampton High School student was killed and six other teens were hospitalized, including one suffering from "serious physical injuries," after a car crash Sunday evening in East Hampton, police said.
Luis Gonzalo Barrionuevo-Fuertes, 18, of Moriches, was driving a 2009 Toyota Camry south on Old Stone Highway when he lost control of the vehicle, the car overturning and hitting a tree near Deep 6 Drive just before 7:40 p.m., police said in a news release.
Police said passenger Scarleth S. Urgiles, 19, of East Hampton, died at the scene. Another passenger, an 18-year-old from East Hampton, was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was in serious but stable condition. Five others, all teens, were transported to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital by East Hampton and Amagansett ambulances for treatment.
The East Hampton Union Free School District confirmed on its website that the student had died and that counselors would be available at the school Monday.
"It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I share devastating news about a tragedy that has deeply affected our school and community," East Hampton High School Principal Sara Smith wrote. "One of our beloved students has passed away as a result of an automobile accident that also involved other East Hampton students who sustained injuries."
Barrionuevo-Fuertes was arrested at the scene. He was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated under Leandra’s Law, as well as with driving while intoxicated and endangering the welfare of a child. Leandra’s Law makes it a felony to drive while intoxicated with a passenger under age 16 in a vehicle.
It was not immediately clear Monday if Barrionuevo-Fuertes is represented by counsel. He was to be arraigned Monday afternoon in East Hampton Town Justice Court.
Police said the vehicle was impounded for a safety inspection and asked anyone with information about the incident to contact detectives at 631-537-7575.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
: Every 7 minutes on average a traffic crash causing death, injury or significant property damage happens on Long Island. A Newsday investigation found that traffic crashes killed more than 2,100 people between 2014 and 2023 and seriously injured more than 16,000 people. To search for fatal crashes in your area, click here.
John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”