Girl, 10, Killed In Crash Is Laid To Rest; County Seeks Solutions

GREENPORT, NY — A week after a little girl, 10, was killed in a tragic crash on the way home from a back-to-school shopping trip, Suffolk County is set to seek solutions to what many are calling a deadly intersection.

Amber Stulsky died in a crash in Greenport at the intersection of County Road 48 and Chapel Lane last Tuesday and in the days since, there has been an outpouring of love from the community — with many are crying out for change following the tragedy.

When asked about possible solutions, Suffolk County Department of Public Works said: “The Suffolk County Department of Public Works will be undertaking a traffic study to determine the viability and necessity of a traffic light and/or a lower speed limit at the intersection of County Rd. 48 and Chapel Lane.”

According to Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell: "As I understand it, Suffolk County will be out evaluating the intersection this week. We will have whoever they believe is necessary to meet with them."

On Tuesday, Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski said that the his heart went out to Amber's family. "I can't imagine what her family is going through," he said.

He added that the county was continuing with its ongoing reconstruction of County Rd. 48 in that area and the Chapel Lane intersection is part of those plans.

Hearts were broken as Amber was laid to rest Tuesday.

According to Southold Town Police, the crash took place at 8:18 p.m. on Sept. 3 at Chapel Lane and Route 48 when Paul R. Greenfield, 71, of Port Jefferson, who was driving a 2004 Infinity, attempted to make a left turn onto westbound Route 48 from Chapel Lane and struck an eastbound 2003 Mercury Sable driven by Rachael Smith, 32, of Greenport.

Amber Stulsky, 10, Smith's daughter, who was a passenger in the rear seat, was transported by ambulance to Eastern Long Island Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries, police said.

No criminality is suspected and both vehicles were impounded for safety checks, police said.

(GoFundMe)

The support for her family has been unwavering, with local business owners even donating a car to help.

A GoFundMe page, "Funeral Cost for Amber — Car for Rachael" was set up by Tony Raymond B. The crash happened right before Amber's first day of school, he said.

"Just a normal trip to Walmart for school shopping turned instantly into a fatal and tragic event," he said. "Several people rushed to the scene to rescue them from the car, but unfortunately for Amber it was too late. . . There is nothing that can be done to replace what the love that we carried for Amber. She was genuine, innocent, sweet, intelligent, talented, friendly, outgoing, and artistic. Our family will never truly recover from this, and even though she's gone, we are all struggling to keep our faith."

"She was genuine, innocent, sweet, intelligent, talented, friendly, outgoing, and artistic"

He added: "As we sit here, grieving on the front porch of a childhood home where Amber's drawings in chalk, rock paintings, and clothing is scattered in abundance, it is frustrating, devastating, and impossible to think of the possibility that we will ever be able to live a normal life without our Amber."

Another GoFundMe Page, "Raise Money For Our Beloved Amber Stulsky," was created by John Schott. "

David Gamberg, superintendent of Southold Schools, where Amber was a student, wrote a letter to families: "It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news that one of our students, Amber Stulsky, tragically died in a car accident last night. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Amber's family and friends. She was a lovely little girl and our staff is heartbroken."

After the crash, residents expressed concerns about the danger of the spot where the tragedy took place, saying it has been a worry for many years — and begging for solutions. Others have turned to social media in an outpouring of inconsolable grief.

"All of Greenport is in mourning," wrote Claudia Helinski. "To lose a child in such a terrible accident has saddened the entire community," she told Patch.

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