Unlicensed 16-year-old driver lost control of car in crash that killed 3 high school seniors in Holtsville, police say

HOLTSVILLE, N.Y. — Two Lengthy Island communities are in mourning Thursday pursuing a solitary-motor vehicle crash that killed a few superior faculty students. 

It happened Wednesday evening in Holtsville, where by the driver lived. In accordance to police, he was just 16 many years outdated and had a learner’s permit. 

Flags have been decreased at William Floyd Higher School amid information two seniors were being killed in the crash. They ended up in the car with the unlicensed teenager driving the wheel. 

According to Suffolk County Police, 17-calendar year-old Taylor Beltramini of Moriches and 18-calendar year-aged Landon Auditore of Mastic have been the travellers. Beltramini was established to graduate from Floyd Academy in January. 

The driver was determined as 16-calendar year-aged Cem Gunes. Law enforcement mentioned he was driving without the essential 21-calendar year-previous licensed driver in the car or truck. 

Witnesses tried using to assist in what law enforcement termed a horrific incident. 

“It is really terrible. We’re all dad and mom. Everybody has young children, young children that travel. It is a tragedy,” reported Inspector Darrel Simmons. 

In accordance to law enforcement, the motor vehicle was going north on Nicholls Highway at 9:43 p.m. when the driver dropped control and crashed into a tree just north of the Extensive Island Expressway. The driver and just one passenger have been ejected. 

“We have witness reports that the 2009 Infinity G37 color grey was touring northbound on Nicholls Highway at a higher charge of speed,” reported Simmons. “It was described that the automobile overturned several occasions.” 

Family members of all three teens questioned for their privateness as they grieve. 

Adrianna Barrington claimed she dated Gunes. 

“He actually experienced a variety heart,” said Barrington. “I loved him a good deal.” 

Grief counselors ended up presented at Sachem East and William Floyd, where a instant of silence was observed. 

“The mood just switched promptly and it was clearly heartbreaking for anyone to hear that,” claimed Ronnie Hurtado, a scholar at William Floyd.

“They ended up just excellent kids. So it is just sad to see,” another scholar said. 

Pupils there are continue to reeling from the loss of a few other classmates in a car crash in September. 

“The mood in college is really depressing and sad. It can be just been kids getting killed, about and over,” said Nahjae Hollman, a senior at William Floyd. 

A great deal about the crash is nevertheless less than investigation, like what caused it, where the teenagers have been coming from and the place they had been likely. 

Suffolk Police are inquiring supplemental witnesses to arrive ahead.