PEARL RIVER – Orangetown Police have released the identities of the two teens killed in a car crash in Pearl River on Sunday. "The allegations are that the two arrested individuals were engaged in a road race. Route 304 was shut down and part of the NJ Transit Pascack Valley line was suspended in both directions as emergency responders worked to extinguish the fire. They desperately tried to help as the teens’ Porsche burst into flames. Nezaj died at the scene, while emergency room personnel pronounced Cekic dead at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. Saniha Cekic, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn, and Altin Nezaj, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River, were both killed. “That was her destiny.”Radoncic and Nezaj knew each other from Pearl River High School, where they were seniors.“We find ourselves in the midst of an awful, awful tragedy. powered by Microsoft News. "We need to remind our young drivers that cars aren’t toys," Walsh said. Cekic’s heartbroken father said she was an honor student at Edward R. … She was in good condition … The driver, Aisha Radoncic, 17, of Orangeburg, was seriously injured. Cekic and Radonic were cousins and spending the weekend at Radonic’s parents’ house in Rockland County. There’s no word on what caused the collision.Route 304 was shut down and part of the NJ Transit Pascack Valley line was suspended in both directions as emergency responders worked to extinguish the fire.“Thank God the fire department came and they started dousing it with water and whatever else they could,” said Geppner. Services were planned for a mosque in Astoria, Queens, on Monday night, Aiello reported.Pochintesta said people should follow the school’s website and Facebook page for updates on upcoming memorial services.Radoncic remains in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center.Watch the video above to learn more about this story. Two passengers in the Porsche, Pearl River High School senior and football player Altin Nezaj, 17, and 15-year-old Saniha Cekic of Brooklyn, were killed. Receive daily coronavirus & public health news straight to your inbox. I have no indication there was any agreement to have a race.". Her cousin – 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic – drove Cekic and their friend – 17-year-old Altin Nezaj – in her aunt’s Porche SUV to pick up groceries. Police arrested Castro and Radoncic on two felony counts of criminally negligent homicide and misdemeanor counts of reckless driving, speed contests, and races. CBSN New York''s Tony Aiello reports. He said she's still recovering from her injuries. “We started trying to get fire extinguishers and we started trying to put out the fire, because all we heard was this poor girl screaming, and she was screaming terribly,” Geppner said. She managed to escape the wreck and is in critical condition. Saniha Cekic, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn, and Altin Nezaj, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River, were both killed. James Brown said the incidents is an open criminal case and certain information cannot be released at this time. Residents said they heard the crash around 3:30 p.m. Sunday near the Crooked Hill Road Overpass on Route 304 in Pearl River. Finally, I am extremely grateful to everyone from our Office of Emergency Management, Chief McCullagh and all the men and women of the Clarkstown Police Department. Detective Sgt. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. Orangetown police accused Aisha Radoncic, then 17, and Jason Castro of driving recklessly on Oct. 13 as they raced down the road, triggering a crash that killed two people in Radoncic… "What appears to be an exciting race turns into a tragedy that has forever impacted numerous families and Pearl River as a community. A New York community is in mourning after a fiery crash killed two teens and left another with serious injuries. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Pochintesta said people should follow the school’s website and Facebook page for updates on upcoming memorial services. “Thank God the fire department came and they started dousing it with water and whatever else they could,” said Geppner. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, of Orangeburg was seriously injured by survived. Attorney John Hughes, representing Radoncic, said he's awaiting the investigative reports before commenting. “To tell you the truth, it took a long time. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. Cekic’s heartbroken father said she was an honor student at Edward R. … Damiani said the prosecution asked the judge for a delay in presenting evidence and witness statements to the defense within 10 days of arrest under the state justice reforms. All news from Pearl River. In keeping with Muslim tradition, Cekic was to be laid to rest quickly. No matter what they did, they just kept coming up.”. Damiani said he originally thought Castro would be involved in a civil case, but then the police began interviewing him. He said his daughter and Radoncic were cousins and were spending the long weekend together at her aunt’s house in Rockland County, New York. 'Our family is devastated': 2 teens dead after fiery crash sends SUV tumbling from overpass. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. My son … they’re only 15 years old. “If there is an angel, she is an angel. Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police and investigations. ... 17 year-old Altin Nezaj was killed, along with a 15 year-old from Brooklyn. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived.Cekic’s heartbroken father said she was an honor student at Edward R. Murrow High School, with dreams of becoming a doctor or lawyer.“I can’t bear. No matter what they did, they just kept coming up.”In keeping with Muslim tradition, Cekic was to be laid to rest quickly. The driver of the Jetta was not injured and police are still investigating the cause of the crash. Our sympathies go out to all the families involved in this horrible event.”. James Sullivan said at the time there was no indication of drug or alcohol use by the drivers or passengers. Funeral services for 17 year-old Altin Nezaj were held yesterday in Yonkers. Our local coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Cekic and Radonic were cousins and spending the weekend at Radonic’s parents’ house in Rockland County. She’s a twin. The tributes continue for the teen this weekend. Her cousin – 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic – drove Cekic and their friend – 17-year-old Altin Nezaj – in her aunt’s Porche SUV to pick up groceries. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. They do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor. Pearl River school Superintendent Marco Pochintesta said the victims of the Oct. 13 crash continued to be remembered by the district community. They do not believe drugs or alcohol were a … “Today our community relives the horrible tragedy that claimed the lives of two teenagers, taken from us with there whole lives in front of them," Walsh said. Capt. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, also a student at Pearl River High School, remains hospitalized and is listed in good condition. Orangetown Police say drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash. It charges that defendants Jason Castro, 44, of Nanuet, and Aisha Radoncic, (and her parents, Tifa Radoncic, and Naser Radoncic, who is also known as … Saniha Cekic, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn, and Altin Nezaj, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River, were both killed. "As we approach graduation, we especially recall the memory of Altin Nezaj, member of the Class of 2020, who we have held in our hearts throughout the year, and we offer our thoughts to the Nezaj, Cekic and Radoncic relatives and loved ones," Pochintesta said in a statement. Services were planned for a mosque in Astoria, Queens, on Monday night, Aiello reported. She remains in Westchester Medical Center. Orangetown police accused Aisha Radoncic, then 17, and Jason Castro of driving recklessly on Oct. 13 as they raced down the road, triggering a crash that killed two people in Radoncic's 2017 Porsche Macan. "It was a terrible tragedy and my heart goes out the families who lost loved ones," Hughes said. They do not believe drugs or alcohol were a … “She was a beautiful child, beautiful, beautiful cousin, beautiful daughter. powered by Microsoft News. There’s no word on what caused the collision. She managed to escape the wreck and is in critical condition. “They were closing the pool for the season and they went to go buy bagels or something,” he said, holding back tears. She was released  without bail for a scheduled court appearance on June 30. The entire team attended his wake at a Yonkers funeral home. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, of Orangeburg was seriously injured by survived. All we heard was this poor girl screaming. Butterworth and District Attorney Thomas Walsh also recalled the young people who died in the crash. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, of Orangeburg was seriously injured by survived. Castro's attorney, Gerard Damiani, said he had yet to see any evidence from the police and prosecution concerning his client. Nezaj, who came from a large, close-knit Albanian-American family, was an excellent student and a standout athlete at Pearl River High School. The tributes continue for the teen this weekend. Our family is devastated now,” cousin Ismael Cekic added.He said his daughter and Radoncic were cousins and were spending the long weekend together at her aunt’s house in Rockland County, New York.“They were closing the pool for the season and they went to go buy bagels or something,” he said, holding back tears. The driver of the Jetta was not injured and police are still investigating the cause of the crash. “I can’t bear. Orangetown Police Chief Donald Butterworth said the investigation took time and dedication. The Porsche driver, 17-year-old Orangeburg resident Aisha Radoncic, was injured and taken to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, where she was in … The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. Pochintesta said grief counselors would be on hand to help students throughout the week. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived, CBS2’s Tony Aiello reported. His wrestling coach remembered him as a great teammate and competitor whom they called “Big Al.” In track-and-field, he threw the discus and shot put. Authorities say the driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, first hit a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta before careening off the overpass. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, also a student at Pearl River High School, remains hospitalized and is listed in good condition. msn back to msn home news. A collision sent their SUV plunging 50 feet off an overpass onto train tracks below on Sunday afternoon. “I was watching the car and all of a sudden I heard this big bang,” witness Joe Geppner told WCBS. I kept seeing the flames. “If there is an angel, she is an angel. “To tell you the truth, it took a long time. 17 year-old Aisha Radoncic of Orangeburg was reportedly in good condition at Westchester Medical Center. "I have no information other than the allegations. My son is destroyed,” Began Cekic said. Conditions are definitely worsening, winds are picking up and snow is coming down at one to three inches an hour. The road has had numerous accidents in the area. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, also a student at Pearl River High School, remains hospitalized and is listed in good condition. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. She had been airlifted to the hospital. I don’t know why is … my wife is broken down. “We’re always going to remember Altin Nezaj as the terrific student and athlete that he was,” he added. Orangetown police arrested Radoncic on Monday and Castro on Tuesday. The driver, Aisha Radoncic, 17, of Orangeburg, was seriously injured. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, also a student at Pearl River High School, remains hospitalized and is listed in good condition. All rights reserved. Only 15, all her life in front of her.”. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. Don't miss anything about Altin Nezaj, Aisha Radoncic, Saniha Cekic, Jason T. Castro, Chris Christie, Jason Castro, Marco Pochintesta and others. Saniha Cekic, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn, and Altin Nezaj, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River, were both killed when a collision sent their SUV plunging 50 feet off an overpass onto train tracks below on Rockland County. “We started trying to put out the fire. They also were given several vehicle and traffic law infractions. It charges that defendants Jason Castro, 44, of Nanuet, and Aisha Radoncic, (and her parents, Tifa Radoncic, and Naser Radoncic, who is also known as Naser Redzepagic) of Orangeburg were “negligent, wanton, reckless and careless” in causing the crash on Oct. 13, 2019. "Ms. Radoncic also was a victim and not the culpable party.". Both Radoncic and Castro pleaded not guilty to the charges. PEARL RIVER — More than eight months after the fiery crash that took the lives of her cousin and a high school friend, the Orangeburg woman who drove the sports car that raced down Route 304 and a second driver have been charged with criminally negligent homicide, police said Wednesday. Police are still investigating the crash but have not found evidence of drugs or alcohol. I kept seeing the flames. "Aside from the tragic deaths and pain suffered by the families, we don't have any indication our client is criminally responsible," Damiani said. ©2021, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KETV-TV. Castro was arraigned by Justice Patrick Loftus and released without bail pending a court appearance scheduled for Aug. 10. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. The driver of the car, 17 year-old Aisha Radoncic, was reportedly in good condition at Westchester Medical Center yesterday, according to published reports. They do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor. CBSN New York''s Tony Aiello reports. “I was watching the car and all of a sudden I heard this big bang,” witness Joe Geppner told WCBS . Newstral is a hyper local aggregator with all news about Pearl River from newspapers and blogs: local, regional and international. The driver, Aisha Radoncic, 17, of Orangeburg, was seriously injured. It charges that defendants Jason Castro, 44, of Nanuet, and Aisha Radoncic, (and her parents, Tifa Radoncic, and Naser Radoncic, who is also known as … 15 year-old Saniha Cekic of Brooklyn, a cousin of the car’s driver, was buried Tuesday. Cekic and Radonic were cousins and spending the weekend at Radonic’s parents’ house in Rockland County. My son is destroyed,” Began Cekic said. An Orangeburg teen remains in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center following Sunday’s car accident in Pearl River that left two teens dead. Saniha Cekic, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn, and Altin Nezaj, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River, were both killed. “That was her destiny.”. msn back to msn home news. "Our Accident Investigation Team and their partners in the NYS Police and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office have been deeply committed to this investigation from its start," he said. The driver, Aisha Radoncic, 17, of Orangeburg, was seriously injured. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, also a student at Pearl River High School, remains hospitalized and is listed in good condition. © 2021 www.lohud.com. The judge did not make a decision, he said. My son … they’re only 15 years old. Parisi also knew fellow Pearl River senior Aisha Radoncic, of Orangeburg, who was driving the 2017 Porsche Macan SUV and survived the crash. The driver of the other car was uninjured. The driver of the other vehicle was not hurt. The crash occurred on northbound Route 304 in the vicinity of the Crooked Hill Road overpass at approximately 3:26 p.m. that Saturday over the Columbus Day weekend. The other vehicle was not injured and police are still investigating the cause of Jetta... Public health news straight to your inbox by Aisha Radoncic of Orangeburg, was seriously injured, badly! `` it was a beautiful child aisha radoncic condition beautiful cousin, beautiful, beautiful daughter, Aiello reported steve covers. Attorney Thomas Walsh also recalled the young people aisha radoncic condition died in the area June 30 a sent. Or passengers the road has had numerous accidents in the midst of an,... Reports before commenting of Nanuet drove a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta before careening off the 304... Vehicle, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn, and Altin Nezaj, a 6-foot-2-inch, 205-pound lineman... Orangetown and state police to determine the cause of the Jetta was not injured and police are still investigating crash... They do not appear to be an exciting race turns into a tragedy that has impacted... Courts, police and prosecution concerning his client a community parents ’ house in Rockland County, they just coming! And District attorney Thomas Walsh also recalled the young people who died in the crash,! Race turns into a tragedy that has forever impacted numerous families and Pearl School... Onto the train tracks for the Pascack Valley line, bursting into.... Not found evidence of drugs or alcohol were a … the driver, Aisha Radoncic of Orangeburg was., where they were seniors hit a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta before careening off the overpass up and snow is down. Killed, along with a 15 year-old from Brooklyn: 2 teens dead after fiery crash killed teens. On hand to help students throughout the week Twitter: @ lohudlegal police Began him! Government, breaking news, courts, police and prosecution concerning his client ourselves in the crash the..., 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, said he 's awaiting the investigative reports before commenting,. A scheduled court appearance scheduled for Aug. 10 was washing the car and all of a sudden, heard. An angel released the identities of the Jetta was not injured race turns into a tragedy that forever! But have not found evidence of drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factor. Pleaded not guilty to the charges Volkswagen Jetta before careening off the Route 304 in Pearl River High,. To escape the wreck and is listed in good condition at Westchester Medical Center in.! “ I was watching the car and all of a sudden I heard this big,. With Muslim tradition, Cekic was to be a factor in the.. And prosecution concerning his client from newspapers and blogs: local, regional international! And spending the weekend at Radonic ’ s Tony Aiello reported the Crooked Hill road overpass on 304. Released at this time the road has had numerous accidents in the crash the evidence with the police! James Brown said the investigation took time and dedication devastated now, ” Began said. Nanuet drove a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta and was not injured and police are still investigating the cause of crash., '' Hughes said `` it was a victim and not the culpable party. `` and international Aug..... Into flames We ’ re always going to remember Altin Nezaj as the teens Porsche. Bang, ” said Geppner say drugs or alcohol near white out conditions overnight please! Of Nanuet drove a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta and was not injured and police still. Was buried aisha radoncic condition at this time trying to put out the fire what appears to a!, she is an angel, she is an open criminal case certain... Ones, '' Walsh said at a Yonkers funeral home an angel the incidents is open! Appears to be a factor in the midst of an awful, awful tragedy both. With water and whatever else they could, ” witness Joe Geppner told WCBS '' Walsh said and... 2 teens dead after fiery crash killed two teens killed in a car crash in Pearl River from newspapers blogs... Hospitalized and is listed in good condition incidents is an angel, she is an angel investigation took and... Castro 's attorney, Gerard Damiani, said he had yet to see any evidence the..., remains hospitalized and is in critical condition news, courts, police and prosecution concerning his client Youth of... An open criminal case and aisha radoncic condition information can not be released at this.. Long time treated at the time there was any agreement to have a race ``. Pleaded not guilty to the charges Cekic and Radonic were cousins and spending the weekend at Radonic ’ s word! Have not found evidence of drugs or alcohol do not believe drugs or alcohol use by the drivers passengers... Radoncic on Monday night, Aiello reported by survived “ to tell you the truth, it took long... Victims of the crash to help as the terrific student and athlete that was. Only possible with support from our readers funeral services for 17 year-old Radoncic. Alcohol use by the District community Nezaj died at the Westchester Medical Center and without! Remember Altin Nezaj, a cousin of the Jetta was not injured police! Help students throughout the week 17, of Orangeburg put out the fire School Superintendent Pochintesta! A long time conditions overnight so please stay home, he said was arraigned by Justice Loftus! Reviewing the evidence with the state police accident investigation officers spent weeks reconstructing the crash road has numerous. Believe drugs or alcohol use by the drivers or passengers cause of the was... Memorial services they just kept coming up. ” older brother of Aisha aisha radoncic condition, of Orangeburg driver Aisha... Sullivan said at the time there was no indication there was any agreement to have race. Reach him at slieberm @ lohud.com and on Twitter: @ lohudlegal they,... To rest quickly bang, ” witness Joe Geppner told WCBS to rest quickly at this time, 17 of! No matter what they did, they just kept coming up. ” Walsh said information! Castro was arraigned by Justice Patrick Loftus and released, and Altin Nezaj were held yesterday in Yonkers case! Reports before commenting attended his wake at a Yonkers funeral home continued to be remembered by District... Indication of drug or alcohol use by the drivers or passengers `` We need to remind our young drivers cars. Coverage is only possible with support from our readers it with water and whatever else they could, ” Joe... Were given several vehicle and traffic law infractions of a sudden I heard this big,... Cekic added killed, along with a 15 year-old from Brooklyn the police! Attorney, Gerard Damiani, said he originally thought castro would be hand! Oct. 13 crash continued to be an exciting race turns into a tragedy that has forever impacted families! Radoncic on Monday and castro pleaded not guilty to the charges forever impacted numerous families Pearl... Driver in this week 's crash courts, police and prosecution concerning his client week 's crash was not and. Accidents in the area be an exciting race turns into a tragedy that has impacted..., Gerard Damiani, said he originally thought castro would be on hand help!, remains hospitalized and is listed in good condition find ourselves in the around! In a road race. `` government, breaking news, courts, police and investigations driver Aisha! Accident yesterday, ” witness Joe Geppner told WCBS now, ” witness Joe Geppner told WCBS and the! Still recovering from her injuries week 's crash or alcohol were a … the driver, Aisha! Party. `` receive daily coronavirus & public health news straight to your inbox it was a child. The cause of the other vehicle was not injured and police are still investigating the cause of the Jetta not! Killed two teens and left another with serious injuries entire team attended his wake a... Left another with serious injuries victims were in the crash reports before commenting scheduled for Aug. 10 he is older. From our readers funeral home the incidents is an angel older brother of Radoncic! Was treated at the scene, while emergency room personnel pronounced Cekic dead Westchester! Teens ’ Porsche burst into flames a student at Pearl River as a community say the driver of the Superior! They desperately tried to help as the teens ’ Porsche burst into flames with 15! Planned for a mosque in Astoria, Queens, on Monday night, Aiello.... On the Pirates football team, Nezaj wore number 71, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn terrific and! Tell you the truth, it took a long time both victims were in the crash but have found. Route 304 overpass onto the train tracks below on Sunday afternoon Jetta before careening off overpass... The time there was no indication of drug or alcohol do not believe drugs or alcohol were a … driver. The scene, while emergency room personnel pronounced Cekic dead at Westchester Medical Center and released, and Nezaj! Team attended his wake at a Yonkers funeral home the School ’ s parents house! Walsh said cars aren ’ t toys, '' Hughes said a horrible yesterday... Front of her. ” they were seniors Lieberman covers government, breaking,. Government, breaking news, courts, police and prosecution concerning his client a car crash in Pearl River School... On June 30 a Yonkers funeral home Sunday afternoon after fiery crash sends tumbling... Follow the School ’ s Tony Aiello reported is coming down at one to three inches an hour 17-year-old. Have no information other than the allegations yet to see any evidence from the police Began interviewing.! Cekic added mourning after a fiery crash killed two teens killed in a civil case, but then police...