3 Manhasset HS alumni among 5 killed in weekend Quogue crash

Police believe a Nissan Maxima was speeding and swerved into oncoming traffic, colliding with a Prius.

News 12 Staff

Jul 26, 2021, 12:09 PM

Updated 1,167 days ago

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Police have identified the victims of a deadly weekend crash on Montauk Highway in Quogue. 
Three Manhasset High School alumni were among those killed in the crash late Saturday around 11:30 p.m.  
Police believe a Nissan Maxima was speeding and swerved into oncoming traffic, colliding with a Prius. 
The Prius was driven by Uber driver Farhan Zahid, of Bay Shore. Zahid, a father of three, was killed along with three of his passengers, Ryan Kiese, Michael Farrell and James Farrell. Michael and James were brothers. 
They both played lacrosse at Manhasset High School, as did Ryan. The driver of the Nissan, 22-year-old Justin Mendez, of Brookhaven, was also killed in the accident. 
A fourth passenger of the Prius, Brianna Magilio, of Garden City, is hospitalized in critical condition. 
Family tells News 12 that the passengers in the Prius were going out dancing. They say Ryan and Brianna were dating. Ryan's parents say the two were dating for six years.
Brian LaBau witnessed the accident, and says officials came with the Jaws of Life to try and rescue everyone. 
“They went through a number of batterie to try to get it,” LaBau says. “They couldn’t free, whoever, I didn’t even know how many people were in each one.” 
Ryan’s father told News 12 off-camera that he is thankful for all the well wishes from the community and for people to pray for Brianna’s recovery. 
A spokesperson for Uber told News 12: “Our thoughts are with the families of Mr. Zahid and the four others who lost their lives in this heartbreaking crash, and we hope the survivor makes a full recovery.”
The company says Zahid started using the app to drive nearly two years ago. 
The Manhasset School District sent a letter, saying in part: “It is with tremendous sadness that we share the tragic news of the loss of three of our Manhasset alumni…We extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to their families, friends and loved ones.” 
They also say that members of their mental health team are available to provide support.