A 52-year-old man died late Sunday night after his SUV was found lodged in the center median of Deer Park Avenue near Weston Avenue, authorities said.
Motorists spotted a 2009 Honda Pilot up against a road sign in the median and called 911. Officers arrived, removed the sole occupant from the vehicle and had him taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, where he was later pronounced dead.
What police say
According to News 12 Long Island, Suffolk County police identified the driver as 52-year-old Jose Hernandez-Escobar of East Northport. A motorist reported finding the vehicle in the median at about 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
Detectives told the station they believe Hernandez-Escobar suffered a medical event just before the crash. He was transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators seeking witnesses
Suffolk County First Squad detectives are leading the investigation and have asked anyone with information about the crash to call the First Squad at 631-854-8152, according to the Suffolk County Police Department. The crash remains under investigation, and police say they will release further details as they are confirmed.
Medical events and driving
Crashes that stem from sudden medical emergencies are relatively uncommon but often serious. Consumer Reports cites a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimate that roughly 1.3% of crashes it tracks involve a driver with a medical emergency.
Experts note that seizures, heart attacks or severe hypoglycemia can cause a driver to lose control. They urge motorists to pull over safely and call for help if they start to feel faint or otherwise unwell while behind the wheel. Consumer Reports also offers tips for drivers who experience warning signs on the road.
Authorities have not released additional details about the crash timeline or any pending coroner findings. We will update this story when Suffolk County police provide more information.
