Teen killed, man critical, in crash

SUFFOLK COUNTY Authorities say 46-year-old Brett Brown, of East Patchogue, was driving a 2002 Mercedes-Benz eastbound on Woodside Avenue when he was struck head-on near Harlem Avenue by a 2003 Honda. The Honda was heading westbound and crossed the double yellow lines into Brown's lane at 9:35 p.m., police said.

Suffolk County police say the Honda, occupied by 20-year-old Christopher Vogel and 17-year-old Nicholas Luongo broke apart into two pieces, ejecting both of them. Police believe that Vogel was driving the vehicle.

Authorities say Luongo, of Medford, was pronounced dead at the scene. Vogel and Brown were transported to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center by North Patchogue Fire Department EMS. Brown suffered minor injuries and Vogel is in critical condition.

The vehicles were both impounded for safety checks. The initial investigation revealed that the crash is a result of excessive speed and loss of control by the driver of the Honda.

The investigation is continuing.

Detectives ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information, to please contact the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8552 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

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WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King