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Drew Hassenbein, aged 14, was one of two Roslyn teen tennis stars who suffered fatal injuries in a wrong-way drunk driving crash the night of Wednesday, May 3.
“The Roslyn High School tennis team was celebrating a huge victory where Drew won his match at first singles,” Debbie Hassenbein wrote on Drew’s GoFundMe page of the night of the crash.
“Even though Drew was a nationally-ranked boys player, nothing meant more to him than being a part of the Roslyn tennis community and being with his friends.”
Drew, along with 14-year-old Ethan Falkowitz and two other young men, was riding northbound on Route 106 in Jericho when 34-year-old Amandeep Singh, also of Roslyn, drove the wrong way and collided with the boys’ vehicle, police said.
Hassenbein and Falkowitz were pronounced at the scene. The two other boys in the car, ages 16 and 17, were transported to a nearby hospital for injuries and are in stable condition.
Now, his family and community are honoring the young victim by helping others do what he loved most: play tennis.
“Drew was a former #1 nationally-ranked boys player in the 12s, and with your help, Drew's love of tennis will live on and help develop the next champion.”
On the first day alone, over a thousand donors produced $160,000 for the eventual 501(c)(3) that Hassenbein’s family is in the process of setting up.
Family, friends, and strangers alike have left tributes along with their donations.
“Every top layer in the eastern section knew of Drew — he will be missed dearly. Long live his memory,” wrote donor Rahul Pawar. “e will continue to inspire future generations of tennis players, particularly in the eastern section of the USTA [United States Tennis Association].”
Brooke Fein, who wrote that her family did not know Hassenebein personally, still had the privilege of seeing the star’s “loving impact he had on our community.”
“Drew's remarkable talent on the tennis court was awe-inspiring, 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 remarkable endeavor.”
“His legacy extends far beyond his athletic achievements.”
The fundraiser for Hassenbein joins the one set up for second victim Falkowitz, which has raised an additional $200,000 as of publication.
To donate to Hassebein’s GoFundMe, click here.
To donate to Falkowitz's GoFundMe, click here.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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