Ethan Falkowitz was one of two 14-year-old boys in Roslyn who were seriously injured in a DUI crash on Wednesday night, May 3.
Falkowitz, Drew Hassenbein and two other boys were driving north on Route 106 in Jericho when Amandeep Singh, 34, also of Roslyn, was driving in the wrong direction and collided with the boys’ vehicle in what police said was a drunk driving incident.
Falkowitz and Hassenbein, both 14-year-old college tennis stars, died in the accident.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Falkowitz family launched a fundraiser “to benefit charities that Ethan is passionate about.”
“Ethan deeply cares about helping others,” the family wrote in a GoFundMe description, “so, in order to continue his legacy, we are starting a GoFundMe campaign to benefit all the causes Ethan cares so much about.”
In the 18 hours since the fundraiser launched, the Falkowitzs have raised more than $110,000 of their $200,000 goal, bringing in donations from more than 500 community members appalled by the “senseless tragedy.”
“Our family is speechless and paralyzed just thinking about you. You are the pinnacle of the most beautiful family and we cannot imagine the devastation of your loss,” wrote donor Jen Steinberg.
“The love, healing and peace we send to all of you is endless. Every bit of our heart may help heal the smallest piece of you.”
Donor Samantha Nasello echoed: “Our family is devastated by your loss. May you be surrounded by love and support during this time and may his memory remain a blessing forever .”
According to a Facebook post by Sporttime Rosyln, Falkowitz and Hassenbein are best friends who started playing tennis together when they were 5 and 6 years old. When they were 14, the post said, the boys were “two of Roslyn’s top players” on the high school tennis team, the top Long Island team. ”
The GoFundMe description, which has not yet been updated, will select which charities the family will donate to in honor of their late son.
To donate to GoFundMe, click here.
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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