Crime & Safety

Police: Mt. Sinai Woman Killed in Wading River Car Accident

Police questioning why vehicle crossed lanes.

A Mt. Sinai woman was killed Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle car crash on Route 25A in Wading River, according to police. 

Susan Knoernschild, 32, reportedly collided with Michael Gatto of Rocky Point after Gatto, traveling eastbound, crossed into the westbound lane and hit Knoernschild around 3:30 on Saturday afternoon. According to police, Gatto was pulled from his vehicle by passing motorists shortly before it was engulfed in flames. 

After Wading River Fire Department responded to the scene of the accident, in the vicinity of the Spa and Inn at East Wind, Gatto was air lifted to Stony Brook University Medical Center. Police said that Knoernschild was removed from the vehicle and immediately transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival. 

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Police said they were unaware as of Saturday night why Gatto crossed into the westbound lane. Anybody who witnessed the accident is asked to call the Riverhead Police Department's Detective Division at 631-727-4500, ext. 289.


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