On Wednesday night, May 3, 14-year-old Drew Hassenbein was one of two Roslyn teenage tennis stars who were fatally injured in a wrong-way drunk driving accident.
“The Roslyn High School tennis team is celebrating a huge win, Drew’s first singles match,” Debbie Hasenbein wrote on Drew’s GoFundMe page the night of the crash.
“Although Drew is a nationally ranked men’s player, nothing is more important to him than being a part of the Roslyn tennis community and hanging out with his friends.”
Drew, 14-year-old Ethan Falkowitz, and two other youths were traveling 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, police said.
Hassenbein and Falkowitz were announced on the spot. Two other boys in the car, aged 16 and 17, were taken to a nearby hospital with their injuries and are in a stable condition.
Now, his family and community honor the young victim by helping others do what he loved most: playing tennis.
“Drew was the No. 1 boys player in the country at age 12, and with your help, Drew’s love of tennis will live on and help develop the next champion.”
On the first day alone, more than 1,000 donors contributed $160,000 to the final 501(c)(3) the Hassenbein family is building.
Family, friends and strangers have all left their condolences as they donate.
“Drew is known by everyone at the top in the East — he will be greatly missed. Long live his memory,” wrote donor Rahul Pawar. “e will continue to inspire future generations of tennis players, especially those in the USTA East [United States Tennis Association]”
Brooke Fein wrote that her family didn’t know Hasenebain personally, but she was still privileged to see the star “the impact of his love on our community.”
“Drew’s extraordinary talent on the tennis court was awesome, but it was his genuine kindness and warmth that touched our hearts,” Fein wrote. “While no one can replace Drew’s unique presence on the court, his legacy will live on through this extraordinary effort.”
“His legacy extends far beyond his athletic achievements.”
Hassenbein’s fundraiser joins a fundraiser for a second victim, Falkowitz, which has raised Additional $200,000 As of posting.
To donate to Hassebein’s GoFundMe, click here.
To donate to Falkowitz’s GoFundMe, click here.
This is still a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
Click here Follow Daily Voice Nassau and receive free news updates.
