Hit-and-RunCrash Destroys Queens Family

A hit-and-run accident left a Richmond Hill couple dead last week, making it the second fatal crash on the Southern State Parkway in as many weeks.
Annette Santiago, 24, and Jason Valdez, 23, had been driving home from a night of bowling when another motorist, traveling at speeds upwards of 100 mph, clipped their 1996 Honda Civic, causing them to lose control and hit a tree.
According to Nassau County police officials, the couple had been traveling west in the center lane of the three-lane highway when the vehicle in question attempted to pass them at high speeds. The Honda was struck and veered off the roadway between exits 23 and 22, rolling onto the grassy shoulder and wrapping around a tree.
Following the fatal accident, the suspect driver slowed down but did not stop.
Pronounced dead at the scene, the couple leaves behind a two-year-old son, Jason Jr.
And although police are attributing the collision to human error, family members are nonetheless calling for the suspect to be apprehended.
The accident comes on the heels of a crash on June 22 that left three dead and 12 injured.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call (631) 756-3300.
toni@queenscourier.com