A winter night on the Southern State Parkway ended in tragedy and a grand jury indictment, as a Queens man now faces aggravated vehicular homicide and a stack of other charges after what prosecutors say was a drunk-driving crash in whiteout conditions that killed a rear-seat passenger and left others badly hurt.
Months-Long Investigation Ends In Indictment
According to News12 New York, Nassau County prosecutors allege that 35-year-old Deodat Ramotar of Jamaica, Queens, had been drinking at a family party before getting behind the wheel of a Hyundai Sonata during a snowstorm. Investigators say he was driving at a high rate of speed as he approached an exit, lost control in the snow, and slammed into a tree. Prosecutors told the outlet that three people in the backseat were thrown from the car. One died instantly, and two others suffered severe injuries.
Overnight Crash On Southern State
New York State Police say troopers were called to the westbound Southern State Parkway near Exit 13, Central Avenue, in the Town of Hempstead at about 4 a.m. on December 14, 2025. They found the Sonata had gone off the road and hit a tree, according to a press release from the New York State Police.
Troopers reported that the driver and a front-seat passenger were not injured. Two rear-seat passengers were rushed to Jamaica Hospital, while a third rear-seat passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, as detailed by the state police release.
Charges, Plea, And Potential Prison Time
Ramotar was indicted on a slate of charges that prosecutors described as including aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, aggravated vehicular assault, vehicular assault, assault, reckless driving and driving while intoxicated, according to News12 New York. Prosecutors say he entered a not guilty plea and was remanded into custody.
His next court appearance is scheduled for September 2, 2026. If convicted on the top charge, he faces up to 25 years in prison, prosecutors told the outlet.
Part Of A Larger Crackdown On Parkway Crashes
The case is playing out as Nassau County officials talk publicly about cracking down on high-speed and impaired driving on the Southern State Parkway. In recent months, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office has announced aggressive indictments in several high-profile crashes on the roadway, citing a pattern of deadly wrecks tied to speed and suspected intoxication, according to a recent press release from the Nassau County District Attorney's Office.
The office has repeatedly stressed that when investigators link intoxication or extreme recklessness to catastrophic outcomes, they intend to seek serious charges to hold drivers accountable.
Troopers Warn On Speed, Weather And Impairment
State police said visibility and road conditions during the December storm made that stretch of the Southern State especially dangerous and renewed their warning to slow down when the weather turns ugly. In their release, the New York State Police noted that speed and intoxication were contributing factors in the crash and urged drivers to stay sober and extra cautious whenever snow and ice hit the roads.
These are allegations, and the charges against Ramotar have not been proven in court. He remains remanded pending further proceedings in Nassau County Court.
