Teen girl killed when boozed up wrong-way driver launches overturned car into tree on Long Island: cops

A boozed-up wrong-way driver flipped his car and slammed into a tree on Long Island Sunday night, killing a 19-year-old woman and injuring six other passengers, authorities said.
Luis Gonzalo Barrionuevo-Fuertes, a former East Hampton High School graduate, was allegedly behind the wheel of a Toyota Camry while driving in the wrong direction on Old Stone Highway in East Hampton when he swerved to avoid slamming into another car around 7:30 p.m.
The car overturned and struck a tree, killing 19-year-old passenger Scarleth Urgiles, East Hampton police said.
The alleged drunk driver was in court Tuesday.
NBC New York
The East Hampton High School student was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another six passengers whose ages ranged between 15 and 19 and were locals were rushed to nearby hospitals with injuries.
East Hampton High School principal Sara Smith called the crash a 'profound tragedy' and noted Urgiles and other passengers attended the school.
'There are no words that can fully express the sorrow we feel for the family, friends, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking loss,' she said in a message to the school community.
'During times like these, we are reminded of how strong and united the East Hampton community truly is.'
Barrionuevo-Fuertes, of Moriches, was arrested at the scene and is facing aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child passenger less than 16, driving while intoxicated and endangering the welfare of a child charges.
His lawyer, Melissa Aguanno, told The Post she anticipates the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office will go forward with upgraded charges at some point.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
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He was in custody Tuesday night after a judge put bail for hundreds of thousands of dollars in court Monday.
'I think he's in shock at this point, he's 18 years old,' Aguanno said. 'He's still really a kid so I don't know if he fully grasps everything happening at this point.'
Not everyone in the car were friends or knew each other, the lawyer said.
'For everyone involved it's a tragedy and my client and his family are devastated at the loss of any life,' she added.
'It's gonna be bad for everyone. This is like a traumatic experience that every single one of these kids will live with for the rest of their lives.'
Before the crash, Barrionuevo-Fuertes wanted to join the Army or the Marines and took tests in hopes of serving the country, Aguanno said.
Urgiles also had dreams of serving in the Army, according to a fundraising page started by loved ones.
'She always thought that her courage and determination would help others,' the fundraiser stated.
'Her dream was to buy a house for her mother and be able to take care of and provide for her mother and brother what they deserved. She tirelessly volunteered, taught, pursued, and creatively made a difference in the world.'

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