'Devastating News': School, Community Heartbroken After DWI Crash Left LI Student Dead, 6 Injured, Police Say

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Hearts are shattered in East Hampton and beyond Monday as a tragic DWI crash on Father's Day night that left one girl dead and six teens injured rocked the close-knit community.

According to East Hampton Town police, the crash took place at 7:39 p.m. on Old Stone Highway near Deep Six Drive.

Luis Gonzalo Barrionuevo-Fuertes 18, of Moriches, was operating a 2009 Toyota Camry southbound on Old Stone Highway near Deep Six Drive when the vehicle left the roadway, overturned and struck a tree, police said.

The Springs Fire Department responded and extricated two passengers from the vehicle, police said.

Scarleth S. Urgiles 19, a junior at East Hampton High School, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Passenger Jennifer Amon-Barrers 18, of East Hampton was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital where she is listed in serious, but stable condition, police said.

Additional passengers Michael Puente 19, Melanie Mendez, 19, Carlos Pinos, 18, and two juveniles, 15 and 17, all of East Hampton, were transported to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital by East Hampton and Amagansett Ambulance for treatment of injuries, police said.

"It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I share devastating news about a tragedy that has deeply affected our school and community," said Sara Smith, principal of East Hampton High School. "One of our beloved students has passed away" as a result of a csh that also involved other East Hampton students who sustained injuries, she said.

She added: "There are no words that can fully express the sorrow we feel for the family, friends, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking loss. During times like these, we are reminded of how strong and united the East Hampton community truly is. We come together to lift each other up, support one another, and provide comfort in the face of unimaginable grief," she said.

In response, the district will have its full mental health team available to support students in any way they need, she said. "In addition, professionals from the Family Service League and Hospice will be on-site to offer counseling and guidance to any student who may need help processing this profound tragedy. We encourage families to speak with their children, to check in, and to let them know it is okay to grieve, to feel, and to seek help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you feel your child would benefit from additional support.

"Together, as one community, we will honor the life that was lost, support those who are healing, and continue to lean on each other in the days and weeks ahead," Smith said.

East Hampton School Superintendent Adam Fine also reached out to the community: "It is with profound sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that one of our high school students was killed, and several others were injured," in Sunday's crash. "There are no words to properly express the feelings of loss and grief that we feel at this time. The East Hampton community is strong and resilient and always comes together when needed."

Grief counselors will be available throughout the day, he said. "Please contact the high school to speak to one of our crisis specialists if your child needs assistance to navigate this difficult period. "

Gonzalo Barrionuevo-Fuertes was placed under arrest at the scene and was transported to East Hampton Town police headquarters where he awaits arraignment at East Hampton Town Justice Court, police said.

He was charged with driving while intoxicated, first offense; aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child passenger less than 16, first offense, a felony under Leandra's Law; and endangering the welfare of a child, police said.

Hampton Bays School Superintendent Lars Clemensen also expressed his deep sorrow: "Our Hampton Bays hearts are with our friends in East Hampton who woke up to the worst nightmare this morning as educators with the loss of a student and many injuries in a car accident last night."

The Hampton Bays Fire Department, he said, works with high school seniors to illustrate the realities of drinking and driving. "June is a joyous celebration season for our young people and we want to keep it that way," he said.

East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez also expressed her sorrow. "There are moments when words fail. This is one of them. Our community is heartbroken. We are mourning the loss of Scarleth Urgiles, a 19-year-old young woman whose life ended far too soon. We are praying for those who were injured, and we are standing with their families as they face the unimaginable."

She added: "To Scarleth’s loved ones, please know that you are not alone. We grieve with you. We ache with you. And while nothing can ease this pain, we hope you feel the strength and love of the community around you. We will walk with you through this, together. To the families of those who were injured, please know this community is thinking of you. We are holding you in our hearts and hoping for healing and strength. Your children matter to all of us, and so do you."

Burke-Gonzalez said she wanted to thank East Hampton School Superintendent Adam Fine, Principal Sara Smith, the teachers and staff at East Hampton High School, and the counselors who "responded quickly and compassionately to support our students during this incredibly difficult time. To the Springs Fire Department, and to the Springs, Amagansett, and East Hampton Village ambulance crews, thank you. Your efforts made a difference, and your care means so much to this community. And to the officers of the East Hampton Town Police Department, thank you. We are grateful for the professionalism and compassion you bring to your work every day, especially in moments like this."

And, she added: "To our young people, I want you to hear this clearly. You do not have to carry this alone. If you are hurting, please talk to someone. You are surrounded by people who care about you and who are here to help. East Hampton is a small town. We feel these losses deeply. And while nothing can take away the pain, we can continue to show up for one another with compassion, with presence, and with love. Let us remember Scarleth. Let us hold those still recovering in our thoughts. And let us keep each other close in the days ahead."

Alisa McMorris lost her beloved son Andrew McMorris of Wading River when he was killed by a drunk driver in 2018 while out on a hike with his Boy Scout troop. He was just 12 years old when his young life was cut cruelly short.

Speaking with Patch on the East Hampton tragedy and the driver accused of DWI, McMorris said: "Every time I hear about other young lives lost to drunk driving, it takes me back to the day my whole world fell apart. The horror of that moment echoes in my chest and I am reminded of the deafening silence of the after. I lost my child because someone chose to drive impaired and that choice ended my child's life — and now another family is living that same nightmare. And it breaks me all over again."

She added: "These aren't just tragic stories. These aren't accidents. They are 100 percent preventable."

To every adult and teen, McMorris said: "Please, think before you get behind the wheel or into a car with someone who's been drinking. One choice can destroy lives in a second. Be the friend who speaks up. Be the one who saves a life. How many more people have to die before we stop treating this like bad luck instead of a preventable crime? Once you know better, you do better. What are we waiting for?"

The vehicle was impounded for safety inspection and the investigation is continuing, police said; anyone with information is asked to contact the East Hampton Town Police Department's detective division at 631-537-7575.