3 Manhasset Alumni Among Those Killed In Hamptons Crash: Police

MANHASSET, NY — Five people, including three Manhasset High School alumni, were killed Saturday night during a head-on collision on Montauk Highway, authorities said.

The fatal crash happened around 11:19 p.m. in Quogue Village. A Nissan Maxima traveling west on Montauk Highway left its lane and slammed into a Toyota Prius heading east with five people inside, according to Quogue Village police.

In the Prius, Farhan Zahid — a 32-year-old Uber driver from Bay Shore — died along with three passengers. Police have identified the passengers as 25-year-old Ryan J. Kiess, 25-year-old James P. Farrell, and 20-year-old Michael O. Farrell — all of Manhasset. A fourth passenger, Brianna M. Maglio, 22, of Garden City, remains in critical condition.

The driver of the Nissan — identified as Justin B. Mendez, 22, of Brookhaven — was pronounced dead at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. Authorities say Mendez may have been speeding at the time of the crash.

Families who lost their sons in Saturday's collision are sharing memories of their lives, and crying out for change on a roadway they say is far too dangerous.

Kurt Kiess said his son Ryan had been friends with brothers James and Michael since elementary school.

"They lived 200 yards apart," he said. "They took the school bus together and were sports teammates, playing lacrosse."

His son met Brianna, who is currently in intensive care, at the University of Scranton. They both played lacrosse and had been dating for six years, Kiess explained. "They were a fantastic couple."

Kiess said he and the Farrell family, who lost their two sons, have been discussing fundraising efforts to help the family of the Uber driver.

Zahid, who was pronounced dead at the scene, left behind a wife and several small children.

"She has three little kids," Kiess said. "They're victims, too. We need to focus on them."

In a statement to Patch, Uber said: "Our thoughts are with the families of Mr. Zahid and the four others who lost their lives in this heartbreaking crash, and we hope the survivor makes a full recovery."

Residents have previously voiced concerns about this particular stretch of Montauk Highway, with some saying it is poorly lit and shouldn't have such blind curves. Kiess wants officials to consider redesigning the roadway.

"It's a curvy road. It shouldn't be that dangerous," he said.

Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman says it is "possible" the town might advocate the county and state for changes, depending on what investigators learn about the crash.

SEE ALSO:

• Police ID 5 Men Killed In Head-On LI Crash
  
• 'Our Hearts Are Broken Forever': Dad's Son 1 of 5 Killed in Crash
  
• Families Mourn 5 Lost In LI Crash, Seek Answers, 'Pray For Bri'
  
• Driver In LI Crash That Killed 5 Seen Speeding, Had Marijuana: PD

Patch's Lisa Finn contributed to this report.