As word came Monday that a fifth teenager died after the Long Island crash where four of his friends were killed over the weekend, an uncle of one of the teens said the group was coming from a neighborhood gathering called "Race Night."
The fifth teen who died, 17-year-old Cody Talanian, had been taken to the hospital in critical condition but died Sunday night of his injuries as hundreds gathered at a local church to mourn the other four teenagers killed: 17-year-old Tristan Reichle, 18-year-old Jesse Romero, 14-year-old Carly Lonborg and 15-year-old Noah Francis.
The five teenagers were killed after their Nissan sedan veered into oncoming traffic on Conklin Street in Farmingdale and hit an SUV head-on, police say. Talanian and another boy were ejected from the Nissan; the other boy died instantly. Two of their friends were killed upon impact; the driver died at the hospital.
The SUV driver and passenger were taken to the hospital in serious condition.
Reichle's uncle, Jorge Gasparotti, said Monday that the group had been at the racing event with hundreds of other teens in a nearby parking lot where the attendees show off their cars and watch races.
"They see a race, and then they're leaving and they're all amped 'cause they're kids and that's what they do," said Gasparotti.
Investigators have not said whether alcohol or speed were involved.
Teens and other Farmingdale residents filled St. Killians Church Sunday to remember those who died. So many people attended the service Sunday evening that an overflow area outside the church had to be set up.
Local
"Look at all these people," said Michael Quezada, a student. "Farmingdale is a strong, strong town."
Flowers, candles and other remembrances were set out at the site of the crash as well. One of the teens' friends went to the scene to say a prayer Sunday.
"They were really good people," she said. "They were always there for everyone, and they were just amazing."
