A 4-year-old boy who was critically injured in a crash on the Southern State Parkway on June 17 was declared dead on June 24, state police said. Troopers say the single-vehicle wreck happened at about 2:02 p.m. on the westbound parkway just west of Exit 20N in Hempstead, when the driver reportedly lost control while trying to avoid another car. The Nissan Sentra left the roadway and struck a tree, bringing emergency crews to the scene.
State police: crash details and victims
According to New York State Police, responding troopers found a 2006 Nissan Sentra that had hit trees and come to rest in a wooded area off the westbound Southern State Parkway. The car was being driven by a 31-year-old woman, who was taken to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. A 4-year-old passenger had to be extricated from the vehicle and was transported in critical condition.
Child later succumbs to injuries
As reported by Newport Dispatch, New York State Police identified the child as Christopher King-Morris and said he was declared deceased on June 24. That update repeated the state police account that the driver swerved in an attempt to avoid an unknown black vehicle that did not stay at the scene.
Investigators seek the fleeing vehicle
According to New York State Police, the unknown black vehicle left the area, and investigators with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation are working to track down its operator. Anyone with information or video is asked to call Troop L at (631) 756-3300. Local outlets reported that westbound lanes were closed for several hours during the June 17 response and that a medical helicopter landed near the crash as crews worked to free the occupants and clear the roadway, as noted by LongIsland.com.
Possible charges for a hit-and-run
New York law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop, identify themselves and report the incident, and leaving the scene after an injury or death can carry felony penalties under New York State Senate. If investigators determine that a fleeing driver caused or contributed to a collision, prosecutors could pursue aggravated leaving-the-scene charges in addition to any other offenses that may apply.
The New York State Police say the investigation remains active. Troop L asks anyone who witnessed the crash, saw a black vehicle near the area that afternoon, or has dashcam or surveillance footage to preserve it and call (631) 756-3300.
