Incident location, Long Island
What Happened
A Queens man has been arrested in connection with a fatal crash on the Southern State Parkway that killed one person and injured two others, according to New York State Police. The driver was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the December 14 collision.
At approximately 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 14, New York State Police responded to reports of a one-car crash on the westbound Southern State Parkway in the area of exit 13, near Central Avenue in Wantagh. Upon arrival, troopers found a Hyundai Sonata on the right shoulder that had struck a tree, police said.
The driver, Deodat J. Ramotar, age 35 of Jamaica, Queens, and the front seat passenger were uninjured in the crash. However, three passengers were seated in the rear of the vehicle at the time of impact. Two of the rear-seat passengers were transported to Jamaica Hospital for treatment of their injuries, while one passenger succumbed to their injuries at the scene, according to police reports.
The investigation revealed that Ramotar lost control of the Hyundai while allegedly traveling at a high rate of speed and was allegedly intoxicated, state police said. The combination of excessive speed and impairment led to the vehicle leaving the roadway and striking the tree on the shoulder.
Following the crash investigation, Ramotar faces multiple serious charges including Driving While Intoxicated, Vehicular Manslaughter – Operate Motor Vehicle Impaired Causing Death, and Vehicular Manslaughter – Recklessly causing death. Additional charges include two counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Assault in the Second Degree – Recklessly Causing Serious Physical Injury, Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, and various Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.
Ramotar was processed and transported to the Nassau County Detention Center following his arrest, police confirmed.
Location & Road Context
The crash occurred on the westbound Southern State Parkway near exit 13 and Central Avenue in Wantagh, a busy section of the parkway that connects to several major Nassau County roadways. The Southern State Parkway has recorded 117 incidents in traffic databases, with recent crashes highlighting ongoing safety concerns on this stretch of highway.
Recent incidents on the Southern State include another fatal crash in March 2026, with officials noting the recurring danger posed by this particular parkway to Long Island motorists.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
The case remains under investigation by New York State Police Troop L in Farmingdale. Ramotar faces serious felony charges that could result in significant prison time if convicted, particularly the vehicular manslaughter charges related to operating a vehicle while impaired and causing death.
The multiple assault charges stem from the injuries sustained by the two surviving rear passengers who required hospitalization. The defendant is currently being held at Nassau County Detention Center pending further legal proceedings.
Broader Impact
“The New York State Police urge all motorists to drive sober, travel at a safe speed, and prioritize safety every time they operate a motor vehicle,” the New York State Police Department – Troop L in Farmingdale said in a statement following the arrest. In New York, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated carries potential sentences of up to 15 years in prison for the most serious charges Ramotar faces.