42°
The incident happened in Southampton, south of County Road 51 and Speonk Riverhead Road, at around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Southampton Town Police said a motorcyclist was going southbound on County Road 51 when he crashed into a wooded area.
Emergency crews found the victim, 28-year-old Rafael Andre Penalas, of Bayport, unconscious. He was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
A witness told police that Penalas had passed them while speeding shortly before they encountered debris in the roadway. The witness then located Penalas in the woods and called 911.
No other vehicles were involved and nobody else was injured.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including New York State Police, Southampton Town Police, and the Flanders Fire Department.
Authorities said no criminality is suspected.
Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Southampton Town Police at 631-702-2230 or email crimetips@southamptontownny.gov.
Additional details about Penalas' life were not immediately available. His family is invited to contact Daily Voice with funeral details, a statement, and/or photos by emailing mmashburn@dailyvoice.com.
Click here to follow Daily Voice West Islip and receive free news updates.
