Pedestrian Dies In Suffolk Crash: Police

MELVILLE, NY — A pedestrian died after being struck by an SUV in Melville Thursday, police said.

According to Suffolk County police, the crash took place on Walt Whitman Road at Fletcher Place at about 7:30 p.m.

A Melville man, 74, and his wife, 66, were riding in a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe that was headed northbound on Walt Whitman Road when the vehicle struck a pedestrian heading eastbound in the crosswalk, police said.

The pedestrian, Michael Chiapperini, 72, of Melville, was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The man and his wife in the other vehicle were not injured, police said.

Detectives believe the driver had the right-of-way, according to people at the scene, police said.

The Chevrolet was impounded for a safety check, police siad. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the crash to call the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.