52°
Jenna Perez was killed by a hit-and-driver while crossing the highway just before 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, in Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk County Police said.
Perez, an identical twin who had just gotten off of work at an area Five Guys Hamburgers store, was crossing Nesconset Highway southbound, when she was struck by a vehicle believed to be traveling westbound, according to police. The vehicle fled the scene, police said.
Described as a hard-working, intelligent teenager, who had faced plenty of obstacles in her life before coming to live in Selden, with her twin sister, Janell, and their guardian Donna Austin, a GoFundMe page said.
"She did not deserve the fate she suffered at the hands of someone so careless and negligent in their actions," Emily Keuler, the organizer of the fundraiser said.
An incoming senior at Newfield High School, Perez was reportedly attempting to cross the street to get something to eat at Taco Bell after working two shifts at Five Guys when she was hit.
Grief counselors were at the school to help friends and other students close to Perez.
Keuler said on the GoFundMe page that all monies raised will be used for a funeral. As of Tuesday, Aug. 27, more than $4,000 of a $5,000 goal had been raised.
To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Suffolk and receive free news updates.
