A 19-year-old woman was killed and six other passengers were injured when a drunk driver on Long Island crashed his vehicle into a tree on Sunday night, according to authorities.
Around 7:30 p.m., Luis Gonzalo Barrionuevo-Fuertes, a former graduate of East Hampton High School, allegedly swerved to avoid colliding with another vehicle while operating a Toyota Camry in the wrong direction on Old Stone Highway in East Hampton.
Scarleth Urgiles, 19, was killed when the vehicle overturned and collided with a tree, according to East Hampton police.
At the scene, the East Hampton High School student was declared deceased.
Six more local passengers, ages 15 to 19, were taken to local hospitals after suffering injuries.
Sara Smith, the principal of East Hampton High School, described the crash as a “profound tragedy” and mentioned that Urgiles and other passengers were present at the school.
In a statement to the school community, she said, “There are no words that can fully express the sorrow we feel for the family, friends, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking loss.”
“During times like these, we are reminded of how strong and united the East Hampton community truly is.”
After being taken into custody at the scene, Barrionuevo-Fuertes of Moriches faces charges of aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child passenger under the age of sixteen and driving while intoxicated and endangering the welfare of a child.
Melissa Aguanno, his attorney, told The Post that she expects the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office to file upgraded charges eventually.
After a judge set bail of hundreds of thousands of dollars in court on Monday, he remained in custody Tuesday evening.
“I think he’s in shock at this point, he’s 18 years old,” Aguanno said. “He’s still really a kid so I don’t know if he fully grasps everything happening at this point.”
According to the lawyer, not all of the people in the car knew or were friends.
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“For everyone involved it’s a tragedy and my client and his family are devastated at the loss of any life,” she continued.
According to the lawyer, not all of the people in the car knew or were friends.
“It’s gonna be bad for everyone. This is like a traumatic experience that every single one of these kids will live with for the rest of their lives.”
According to Aguanno, Barrionuevo-Fuertes took tests in the hopes of serving the nation before the crash because he wanted to join the Army or the Marines.
A fundraising page created by loved ones claims that Urgiles also dreamed of joining the Army.
“She always thought that her courage and determination would help others,” according to the fundraiser.
“Her dream was to buy a house for her mother and be able to take care of and provide for her mother and brother what they deserved. She tirelessly volunteered, taught, pursued, and creatively made a difference in the world.”
