23-Year-Old Died in Crash a Day Before Proposing to Love of Life

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A 23-year-old from East Quogue who was killed in a horrific crash on County Road 39 died just one day before he was set to propose to the love of his life.

David Jordan Sargent died on Oct. 10; he was driving a motorcycle west on CR 39 past Magee Street and collided with an SUV driven by Jorge Velasquez, 60, of Riverhead, who was heading eastbound and making a lefthand turn into Suffolk Laundry, police said.

And now, heartbroken friends and family, trying to make sense of their unspeakable loss, are raising funds to help.

A GoFundMe, "David Jordan Sargent Funeral Fund," has raised $1,720 of its $20,000 goal.

"To our disbelief . . . our beloved friend, brother, partner, son, David Jordan Sargent suddenly passed away. We loved David so deeply. He was so sweet, funny, quirky, and loving. He had a heart for those who were broken and lost in this world," the page said.

And his death was even more painful, knowing he had his whole life ahead, friends said: "He loved his girlfriend to the point that the day after the accident he had planned to propose her, but he never made it to his date with his loved one."

Family has come from Tokyo, where he is originally from, the GoFundMe said. "We are collecting funds to bury him in Hampton Bays because that was his dream," the page said. "We are asking for donations to help with funeral, the mass, the cemetery and to help support all the expenses. Please pray for our family during this difficult time."

The crash took place at 7 a.m.; Sargent was transported to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries; Velasquez was uninjured, police said.

Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks, police said.

To donate, click here.

Patch photos courtesy GoFundMe.