A 27-year-old Bay Shore man was found dead on the shoulder of the Robert Moses Causeway southbound near Exit RM2 on June 25 after being struck by a vehicle, according to New York State Police. Troopers were dispatched at about 1:38 p.m. and located the victim, identified as Yusuf Gul, 27, visibly deceased at the scene. Authorities later arrested 63-year-old Stephen M. Aylward of West Islip and charged him with driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs or alcohol and drugs.
What investigators say happened
According to Patch, an investigation by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation determined that Aylward was operating a 2012 Jeep when he struck Gul on the shoulder of the southbound causeway. Patch reports that troopers first responded after a call came in about an unconscious man on the shoulder and that the probe remains active. Anyone with information was asked to contact Investigator Marcus Rivera at 845-303-0290, the outlet noted.
As reported by Newport Dispatch, Aylward was scheduled to be arraigned on the morning of June 26, 2026. That report states that the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the inquiry and that investigators have not released additional details while the case remains open.
Road safety context
State officials have been emphasizing road redesign and enforcement in an effort to curb deadly roadside crashes. On June 25, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $43 million in awards to local governments for roadway safety projects as part of a “Safe System” approach. According to the governor’s office, the plan targets lane-departure crashes and funds countermeasures such as guide rails, improved signage and pavement markings to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on state and local roads.
Charges and next steps
Aylward faces an unclassified misdemeanor charge for driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of alcohol and drugs, according to the State Police account reported by Newport Dispatch. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances of the crash, and anyone with video or eyewitness information is asked to contact the State Police investigator listed by local outlets.
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