New York State Police responded to the collision just north of Bay Parkway around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
According to state authorities, Timothy Peter Reid, 64, of Huntington, was driving a 2020 Nissan Rogue southbound in the northbound lanes of the Meadowbrook State Parkway.
He struck a 2013 Honda Civic being driven by 28-year-old Byron DeJesus Alvizures Cifuentes, who was traveling in the correct direction.
Police say both Reid and Alvizures Cifuentes were the only people in their vehicles. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities say the scene of the crash was cleared ahead of Thursday morning's commute.
Alvizures's devastated family laid a cross at the site of the crash on Thursday.
"Heartbreaking, to be honest," said Alvizures's cousin, Suleni Alvizures. "He was so kind. I can't explain."
"It's really hard for us as a family," said Alvizures's cousin, Esvin Alvizures.
They told Eyewitness News that the 28-year-old moved to Hempstead from Guatemala years ago, and he worked hard in construction, but fishing was the hobby he loved.
That's what he was doing until late Wednesday night out at Jones Beach.
"He was going fishing because he liked to bring fish to the neighbors, and everybody loves him around here," Esvin Alvizures said.
State police have not yet said if any other factors contributed to the deadly crash, but Alvizures's family wants answers.
"It's crazy, like for me, I was really, really mad," Suleni Alvizures said.
The 28-year-old victim's funeral is set for early next week.
The NY State Police is asking anyone who saw or has information about the accident to call (631) 756-3300.
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