MELVILLE, N.Y. — A tragic crash early Saturday morning has left one man dead and a woman facing serious charges. According to Suffolk County Police, 37-year-old Jennifer Kirkpatrick of Melville was arrested after allegedly driving under the influence and fatally striking an e-bike rider.
The collision occurred shortly after 1 a.m. near Bagatelle Road and Express Drive South. Authorities say Kirkpatrick’s vehicle hit 28-year-old Joseph Melendez of Wyandanch, who was riding an electric bicycle at the time.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported Melendez to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries. Kirkpatrick was also taken to the hospital with minor injuries and was later charged with driving while intoxicated.
The devastating crash has shaken the local community and reignited concerns about impaired driving and road safety. Friends and loved ones of Melendez describe him as a hardworking and kind individual whose life was tragically cut short.
Police continue to investigate the incident to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
This heartbreaking loss serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence. One moment of poor judgment has led to irreversible tragedy — a young man’s life gone too soon and a community left to mourn.
May Joseph Melendez rest in peace, and may his family find comfort during this difficult time.