Police ID Boy, 9, Killed In LI Crash, Mother Who Drove Wrong Way While Impaired: PD

BAY SHORE, NY — A 9-year-old boy died in a crash after his mother was accused of driving the wrong way while under the influence on the Southern State Parkway in Bay Shore on Thursday morning, New York State Police said.

State troopers and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a crash on the parkway, around eastbound exit 42, police said. Kerri A. Bedrick 32, of Centerport, driving a black 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, caused a four-car collision that killed her son, Eli D. Henrys, also of Centerport, police said.

Troopers saw Bedrick standing outside of her car and found Eli in the backseat with a seat belt fastened, police said. Troopers and the sheriff's deputies performed CPR on Eli in an effort to save his life, but he later died of his injuries, police said.

Bedrick was charged with first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs: first offense; aggravated DWI: with a child-passenger less than 16: first offense; endangering the welfare of a child; and criminal possession of a stimulant.

Bedrick is set to be held overnight and is due to be arraigned Friday at Suffolk County First District Court at 9 a.m.

One of the other three drivers was not injured, police said. Bedrick and the other two drivers suffered injuries that are not life-threatening, police said.

State police thanked the New York State Department of Transportation and Suffolk County Police Department officers who helped with traffic control. Brentwood Fire Department, Brentwood Ambulance Service, and Exchange Ambulance Service brought the crash victims to nearby hospitals.

The collision is still under investigation, and the state police department is asking for anyone who witnessed the crash or anyone with information to call 631-756-3300.