One Dead - SCPD Investigating MV Accident

Update - Police have identified Veronica Omerza, 80, of 2 Janet Lane, Commack, as the woman killed in the three-car motor vehicle crash in Smithtown . 

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a 80-year-old Commack woman in Smithtown today.  

Collin Smith, 22, was driving a 2003 Ford Econoline van eastbound on Jericho Turnpike, 1000 feet west of Meadow Road, when he lost control of the vehicle, crossed over the yellow dividing line and struck two vehicles that were traveling westbound on Jericho Turnpike at 4:54 p.m.  

Smith, of 629 Landing Road, Kings Park, first struck a 1999 Mercury driven by the 80-year-old woman and then hit a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Penelope Kouklakis, 38.  

The 80-year-old woman, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was transported to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown where she was pronounced dead at 5:53 p.m.   A 90-year-old female passenger in her car was transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries.   Kouklakis, of 33 Eastover Drive, East Northport, was also transported to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.    

All three vehicles were impounded for safety checks and the investigation is continuing.   Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.