Couple together for 20 years killed in crash, driver charged

LYNBROOK, N.Y. (WABC) -- A couple together for two decades had their lives cut short when a car suddenly smashed into them from behind, hurling them into oncoming traffic.

Police say the man who hit them should never have been behind the wheel.

The couple was driving westbound along Sunrise Highway Monday night when they were suddenly rear ended and forced into oncoming traffic.

Police now say the driver responsible for the deadly crash was on drugs.

Friends of the victims call this a senseless loss that's being felt throughout this entire Lynbrook community.

"They loved each other I know that," a friend said.

Together for more than 20 years, friends call John and Sharon's love for each other magnetic.

"You didn't see one without the other; it was like two peas in a pod. They bring people together that's their whole spirit their whole aura," their friend said.

The couple was on their way back home from the grocery story Monday night when police say a driver high on drugs slammed into them from behind forcing their car into oncoming traffic at the intersection along Sunrise Highway. Neither made it out of the wreckage alive.

"I can't believe it, can't believe it, sitting at a stop sign," said Robert Washington, a friend.

Still gripped with shock and pain John's best friend recalls he was a loving father and grandfather.

"He loved them all tremendously. He loved them more than himself, he loved his grandchildren," Washington said.

Also well known for bringing people together through socials and barbecues friends say, John and Sharon's loss is now being felt throughout this entire Lynbrook community.

"These are two beautiful lives, that was too early, too young, they're only in their early 50s," their friend said, "It just didn't have to go out like this, a senseless, stupid idiot on the road. We're never ever going to get over this."

The driver allegedly responsible for the accident, 25-year-old John Aniano was arraigned Wednesday inside the hospital.

Aniano pleaded not guilty to two felony counts each of driving while ability impaired by drugs and alcohol, second-degree vehicular manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter.

His license has been suspended. Aniano is being held on $500,000 cash or $1 million bond and he is due back in court next Wednesday, January 21st.