Featured Letters: Residents sound off on fatal Cutchogue crash

To the editor:

I wanted to say to Troy Gustavson that I’m sorry that you and your wife were one of the witnesses of the Cutchogue limousine accident, before emergency crews arrived. (“A nightmare right before our eyes”). I came along just as the emergency crews started redirecting traffic onto Route 25. The officer I encountered was in tears. I don’t know who he was. I saw the limo and he was just starting to redirect traffic. I rolled down my window and we both had a look of horror on our faces. I asked if I could help. Through his tears he said, “It’s bad, it’s very bad; please pray for the family.”

The accident and the words of the officer will forever haunt me. Obviously, at that point he did not know that multiple families were involved. I wish the community could do what the officer said. Many local people and emergency crews have been traumatized by this horrific accident. I think the community should come together in prayer. To heal, to thank all the emergency crews, volunteers, first responders, etc.

I believe it was five towns from Mattituck to Orient that came to the scene to help. We need to show our support to all of these people, as they attempt to heal and come to grips with what they witnessed. I can only imagine what they must be going through. This accident was a life-changing event for our community. I wish we could have a simple prayer service for anyone who wants or needs to come. I certainly want and need to come together with my neighbors and pray. I’m willing to volunteer if a prayer service were to be held. I know we are in the middle of tourist season, but I believe the events of last weekend need to be addressed in some way: prayer, music or a memorial service.

Mary Allen, Mattituck resident

Photo credit: A memorial was set up for the four victims at the site of the crash at the intersection of Depot Lane and County Route 48. (Credit: Chris Lisinski photo)