Standout NY College Football Player ID'd As Man Struck, Killed By Train

Authorities have identified the man who was struck and killed by a Long Island Rail Road train.

Demetrius Houanche, age 30, of Deer Park, was struck and killed by a LIRR train near the Wyandanch station on Tuesday afternoon, May 23.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps street view/Alfred University*

05/25/2023 12:50 p.m.

The incident happened at around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, west of the Wyandanch station, near the intersection of Long Island Avenue and Straight Path.

On Thursday, May 25, the victim was identified as 30-year-old Demetrius Houanche, of Deer Park, an MTA spokesperson told Daily Voice.

Earlier Report: Person Struck, Killed By Train Near LIRR Station In Wyandanch

Houanche had been on the tracks illegally and was struck by an eastbound train, the spokesperson said.

The incident halted service on the Ronkonkoma Branch east of Farmingdale for nearly an hour and a half while emergency crews investigated.

Houanche was a standout football player at Deer Park High School, where he earned All-League, All-Division, and All-Conference honors.

After graduation, he attended the New York Institute of Technology before transferring to Alfred University in Allegany County, where he continued playing as tailback, according to his player profile.

Houanche’s death was also confirmed by his cousin, Juan Luc Houanche, who has since created a GoFundMe campaign to help the family with funeral expenses.

As of Thursday afternoon, the campaign had raised over $1,000 of its $10,000 goal. Those who wish to support the GoFundMe can do so here.

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