Community Corner

Police Continue to Investigate 'Tragic' Fatal Accident

Police chief says driver was on his way to pick up a fare when he hit and killed Jeffrey Ahn, 17.

The is continuing to investigate how a , 17, who was walking on the side of the road in Amagansett before being hit on Saturday afternoon, so far it seems his death was just a tragic accident.

Police Chief Ed Ecker said Ladislav Smigura was headed north on Old Stone Highway to pick up a fare in a van when his side-view mirror clipped Ahn's girlfriend, Penelope Farris, first. Ahn — who Ecker said was in front of Farris in a group of four — was then struck. 

Ecker said the group was walking single file down the road — which has no shoulder and is a curved road. 

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The couple were also traveling north on Old Stone Highway, on their way to Ahn's family home on Arbor Path with two other friends, twin brothers John and Christopher Walla. They had all just arrived in Amagansett on a train from New York City. Ahn and his friends attended school in New York City.

Farris was taken to Southampton Hospital, where she was treated and released with a bruised shoulder. 

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No charges have been filed against the driver. "It seems this was a tragic accident," he said. 

Smigura, 25, had been driving for Lindy's for several years and had a valid license, Ecker said. Police do not believe he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Smigura had a hands-free device in the van, he said.

Ecker would not speculate the speed the van was traveling at the time of the crash. 

Police will continue to investigate all possible causes. The van was impounded for a safety check. The van, which can be seen in the attached picture, sustained little damage, except to a passenger-side headlight.

Meanwhile, the Trinity School in New York City posted a message on its Facebook page morning the loss of Jeffrey, who was going to start his senior year there in September.

"His compassion, enthusiasm, kindness, and passion for life were daily reminders of all that we value and strive for in this community," it read. "Please keep the Ahn family in your thoughts, meditations, and prayers."

Trinity Upper School principal Jessica Bagby spoke highly of Jeffrey, who she said had a wide range of passions, including acting, painting, science and student government. "From his clever, wry wit and artistic soul to his discerning intelligence, he distinguished himself," Bagby said. "Jeffrey was broadly curious and accomplished, a Renaissance man in the making," she said. "His promise was profound. He was also a devoted, loyal, and generous friend."

Head of School John Allman said the school community was devastated to learn of the news. "In so many ways, Jeffrey exemplified the spirit, dedication, kindness, as well as strength of character and intellect that we at Trinity seek to inspire in all of our students. He was not only a strong student, but also a selfless leader, a talented artist, and an exceptionally caring and generous young man," Allman said.

Calls to the office of Jeffrey's father, Dr. Jeffrey Ahn, were not returned. 

Managers at Lindy's Taxi also did not return a call for comment and Smigura could not be contacted. 


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