RSS 2.0 FeedJuly 15, 2010, Merrick Life
Fatal accident being investigated
Three camp counselors at Camp Anchor were killed in a car accident on their way to work on Thursday, July 15.
Three college-age camp counselors were killed and two others injured when a 2010 Honda Civic heading south on Meadowbrook State Parkway left the road south of Southern State Parkway on Thursday at 8:50 a.m. The car entered the right (west) shoulder south of the Washington Avenue overpass and hit a tree, killing the three, said a release from the New York State Police Office of Public Information.
Pronounced dead at the scene were front-seat passenger Michael Mulhall, 22, and rear-seat passengers Paige Malone, 19, and Jaime Malone, 22, of Floral Park.
The vehicle operator, Justine Mulhall, 20, of Floral Park, and rear-seat passenger Kelly Murphy, 20, also of Floral Park, were the only survivors of the crash. They were treated for minor injuries at Nassau University Medical Center.
“The cause of the accident is still under investigation. All five young people worked as counselors at a camp for kids with special needs called Anchor Summer Program in Lido Beach,” said Major Walter Heesch, Troop “L” Commander.
“Alcohol involvement has been ruled out by State Police investigators. Our prayers go out to the families in this tragedy, and also to the community of Floral Park, where all three of these young people were from. These were three young adults doing something positive for the community,” said Major Heesch.
Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said in a prepared statement: “Nassau County mourns the loss of these three young adults who helped serve our community. My thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of the victims.”
The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association was to hold its annual carnival at the camp todayt, July 16. The carnival is just one of the many events at this day camp experience for children with disabilities within the Town of Hempstead. Due to the tragedy the event was cancelled.
The Town of Hempstead, which runs Camp Anchor where the young adults worked released the following statement from Town Supervisor Kate Murray:
“Members of the Town of Hempstead family are devastated by the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of three young, vibrant and caring counselors from Camp Anchor. Our hearts go out to the families of these young people. At the same time, we pray for the recovery of the two surviving counselors and the families and friends of all of the victims of this tragedy.
“The three counselors who were taken from us, along with the two young people who are now battling physical and emotional scars in the wake of the accident, were and continue to be the essence of Camp Anchor,” she added.
“The camp serves hundreds of young people with special needs at a seaside setting in Lido Beach. The heart and soul of the camp are the young men and women who work directly with our campers. Children in the summer camp and the counselors enjoy a profound and special bond that offers life-enhancing experiences,” Supervisor Murray said.
“Grief counselors retained by the town are working alongside Nassau County Police Department counselors to assist campers and workers.”
Update: According to the Town of Hempstead website: "A scholarship fund has been set up in memory of Michael Mulhall, Jamie Malone, and Paige Malone. Checks can be made payable to ANCHOR Scholarship Fund. The Malone and Mulhall Families have requested donations to the ANCHOR Building Fund. Checks can be made payable to the ANCHOR Building Fund. Send all donations to: ANCHOR 630 Lido Blvd Lido Beach, NY 11561 Camp ANCHOR will be closed Monday July 19 and Tuesday July 20 to allow staff and volunteers to attend the funerals of our beloved deceased staff."