Two teen tennis prodigies die in ‘catastrophic’ head-on crash with ‘drink driver’ sending shockwaves through sport
TWO teenage tennis prodigies have died in a “catastrophic” head-on crash with a “drink driver” – sending shockwaves through the sport.
Both boys, aged 14, died at the scene of the horror crash, which happened in New York this week.
Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz were reportedly killed near Jericho on Wednesday evening.
According to authorities, the motorist behind the other vehicle was 34-year-old Amandeep Singh, who was driving a Dodge Ram.
Cops claimed he was allegedly drink driving and had travelled the wrong way down the Long Island expressway when he smashed into the boy’s Alfa Romeo.
Their car then struck a tree after the collision where Hassenbein and Falkowitz were pronounced dead.
Singh allegedly tried to flee the scene, it was reported.
Two other teens, aged 16 and 17, were also in the car but managed to survive the impact and remain in a stable condition in hospital.
Stephen Fitzpatrick, the captain at Nassau County Police Department, told Long Island Press: “The male subject tried to leave the scene on foot.
“It was probably one of the most catastrophic scenes I have seen in a long time.
“If you had been there, you would have seen the debris field, it was almost like the car exploded.”
Singh was charged with alleged aggravated vehicular homicide, two counts of alleged manslaughter second degree, alleged vehicular manslaughter, two counts of alleged second degree assault, allegedly leaving the scene of a death and allegedly driving while intoxicated.
The man was remanded in custody without bail until he faced court on May 8.
Police later confirmed the teenagers were on their way home from a restaurant after a tennis competition.
Fitzpatrick said: “The kids were on a tennis team for their school.
“They were at a local tennis event and then went to get food at the mall.”
The boys reportedly started playing tennis together when they were five and had already made an impact in the tennis world.
Hassenbein was ranked 38th in the US for 14 & Under players.
Tributes flowed since the boy’s tragic passing.
The Roslyn Bulldogs Tennis Instagram account posted: “Drew and Ethan were the best of us.
“They had the biggest hearts and the most contagious smiles.
“They were outstanding tennis players with the brightest futures.
“We will forever miss their laughter and company.
“We love you guys so much, we would do anything for one more second with you both.
“Life is unfair and takes away the best people.
“Fly high boys.”
Long Island Tennis Magazine also took to social media and said: “The Long Island tennis community has suffered a tremendous loss.
“We mourn the tragic passing of Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz, and extend our thoughts and prayers to the Hassenbein’s, Falkowitz’s, the Roslyn tennis team and everyone affected by this horrific tragedy.”