A morning run in Water Mill turned deadly Friday when a car struck and killed a 28-year-old woman on Deerfield Road, according to Southampton Town police. Officials identified the victim as Stefani Rock of New York City. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver stayed at the crash site and was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation while investigators worked the scene and shut down a stretch of the road.
Southampton police told 27east the crash happened at about 9 a.m. on the portion of Deerfield Road north of Head of Pond Road. Rock had been running north in the southbound lane when she was hit by an oncoming four-door sedan, according to that report. Officers at the scene collected evidence as part of what police described as an active investigation.
As reported by News 12 Long Island, first responders were called to the area near 970 Deerfield Road, where Rock was pronounced dead. That outlet also noted that the driver cooperated with investigators and was transported to Southampton Hospital for evaluation. News 12 put the crash time at roughly 8:30 a.m.
Scene and road closures
The section of Deerfield Road between Head of Pond Road and Edge of Woods Road stayed closed into the afternoon while police processed the scene, according to Long Island Traffic. Drivers were urged to steer clear of the area until investigators wrapped up their work.
Investigators seek witnesses
Southampton Town police asked anyone with information, including dash-cam or cellphone video, to contact their tip line. Per 27east, the number to call is 631-728-3451. The investigation is ongoing and no charges had been announced, News 12 Long Island reported.
A summer reminder for runners and drivers
Summer season traffic on the South Fork often fills the two-lane back roads with visitors and local commuters, a pattern that can increase risks for people on foot. Local trackers have noted that stretches like Deerfield and Head of Pond typically lack sidewalks and lighting, which can make early-morning runs more dangerous.
