Man, 81, Killed In LI Crash; Driver Charged With DWAI By Drugs: Police

EAST QUOGUE, NY — A Wading River man was arrested after he was found driving while impaired by drugs in a fatal two-vehicle crash on Sunrise Highway early Thursday that left an 81-year-old man dead, police said.

According to New York State Police, the crash took place at 3:30 a.m. in the eastbound lane near Exit 64 in East Quogue at 3:30 a.m. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by George Hackett, 52, of Wading River, struck the rear of a 2010 Nissan Armada, driven by Franklin Blake, 81 of Jamaica, NY, police said.

The impact caused the Nissan to exit the roadway, overturn several times and come to rest in the wood line; Blake was thrown from the Nissan, resulting in his death, police said.

Hackett fled the scene on foot and was located a short time later by Southampton Town police, authorities said.

Hackett was arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, a felony, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor, police said.

Hackett will be arraigned at the Town of Southampton Justice Court Friday morning at 9 a.m., police said.

The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, collision reconstruction unit, and the forensic identification unit all responded to the scene; Southampton Town police also responded to the scene and assisted in the investigation, police said.

The investigation remains ongoing, and New York State Police are asking for any witnesses or anyone with information to call 631)-756-3300.