35°
The crash happened in Central Islip, at around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13.
Suffolk County Police said Eryk McPherson, of Brentwood, was riding his bicycle westbound across Joshuas Path at Vanderbilt Avenue when he was hit by a Honda sedan.
The teen was taken to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore and died the following day.
Police arrested the Honda driver, 21-year-old David Alfaro, of Central Islip, on suspicion of driving while ability impaired by drugs and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
Meanwhile, tributes continue for McPherson, who had recently started a new job and was biking home on the evening of the crash, according to a GoFundMe. He would have turned 20 on Sunday, Oct. 20.
“Eryk McPherson was a very kind and respectful 19-year-old man,” said campaign creator Joshua Rosales.
Geneva Beauford remembered McPherson as a “smart, respectful, sweet young man” in a Facebook tribute of her own.
The family is now raising funds to cover the costs of the young man’s funeral, which is set for Tuesday, Oct. 29.
“Whatever can be donated is appreciated,” Beauford.
As of Friday, Oct. 18, the GoFundMe had raised $325. Those who wish to donate can do so here.
Investigators asked anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
Click here to follow Daily Voice East Meadow and receive free news updates.
