Steven McDonald Obituary, Death: Police identify man killed in Long Island car crash.

Steven McDonald Obituary, Death – Steven McDonald, a 63-year-old resident of Coram, has been identified as the pedestrian who was fatally struck by a car in Oakdale on Friday night. The tragic incident occurred on the eastbound side of Sunrise Highway, between Exit 48 and Exit 49, around 9:30 p.m., according to Suffolk County police.

McDonald was reportedly in the roadway when he was hit by a 2011 BMW 550 driven by 60-year-old Wayne Griffith of Medford. Authorities confirmed that Griffith was traveling eastbound on Sunrise Highway when the collision took place.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but McDonald was pronounced dead by a physician assistant from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office. Griffith was not injured in the crash.

The BMW involved in the incident has been impounded for a safety inspection as part of the ongoing investigation. Police are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision, including whether McDonald was attempting to cross the highway or walking along the road at the time.

Pedestrian accidents on major highways are not uncommon, particularly in areas with limited pedestrian infrastructure or visibility issues. Sunrise Highway, a busy route with high-speed traffic, poses significant risks to pedestrians, especially at night. Factors such as low lighting, driver reaction time, and pedestrian behavior often contribute to these types of incidents.

The Suffolk County Police Department has urged anyone with information about the crash to contact the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8552. Investigators are hoping to gather additional details from witnesses or other motorists who may have been in the area when the crash occurred.

Steven McDonald’s death has left his family and community in mourning. Friends and relatives describe him as a kind and compassionate individual who was deeply loved by those around him. The circumstances of his untimely death have raised concerns about pedestrian safety and road awareness in the region.

While Griffith was not injured and has not been charged, the investigation remains active. Authorities will conduct a thorough review of the vehicle’s condition, the roadway, and any contributing environmental factors to determine the cause of the crash.

This incident highlights the importance of safety measures for both pedestrians and drivers. Pedestrians are encouraged to use designated crossings, wear reflective clothing when walking at night, and stay clear of high-speed roadways whenever possible. Similarly, drivers must remain vigilant, especially in areas where pedestrians may unexpectedly enter the road.

As the community processes this tragic event, calls for improved pedestrian safety measures may follow. Enhancements such as better lighting, additional crosswalks, and increased public awareness campaigns could help prevent similar accidents in the future.

For now, Steven McDonald’s family is left to grieve the loss of a loved one whose life was cut short in a heartbreaking accident. The investigation will hopefully provide answers and bring some measure of closure to those affected.