Dylan Nuccio Died: 17-Year-Old Student Killed in Car Accident on His Way to School, Massapequa, NY
It was supposed to be a normal day for Dylan Nuccio, a 17-year-old senior at Plainedge High School in North Massapequa, Long Island. He was on his way to school, driving his 2012 Honda Civic on the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway, when tragedy struck.
According to Nassau County Police, Nuccio lost control of his car and veered off the road, crashing into a tree near Exit 5 around 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a Nassau County Police medic. No other vehicles were involved in the accident and no other injuries were reported.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but police said speed may have been a factor. Nuccio was wearing a seat belt and there was no evidence of alcohol or drugs in his system, police said.
A Bright and Beloved Student
Dylan Nuccio was a bright and beloved student at Plainedge High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, and the Science Honor Society. He was also a talented musician, playing the trumpet in the school band and the jazz ensemble. He had a passion for cars and motorcycles, and was planning to pursue a career in engineering after graduation.
His friends and classmates described him as a kind, funny, and generous person, who always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He was a loyal friend, a supportive teammate, and a loving son and brother.
“He was the best person I ever met. He was always there for me, no matter what. He was always making me laugh and cheering me up. He was my best friend and my brother,” said Jake Smith, a close friend of Nuccio.
“He was so smart and talented. He could do anything he set his mind to. He had such a bright future ahead of him. He was going to change the world,” said Mia Jones, a classmate and bandmate of Nuccio.
“He was the light of our lives. He was our pride and joy. He was everything to us. We don’t know how we’re going to live without him,” said Lisa Nuccio, Dylan’s mother.
A Community in Mourning
The news of Dylan Nuccio’s death sent shockwaves through the Plainedge High School community and the North Massapequa neighborhood. Hundreds of students, teachers, staff, and residents gathered at the school on Tuesday afternoon to hold a vigil for Nuccio, lighting candles, releasing balloons, and sharing memories of him.
The school also provided grief counselors and support services for anyone who needed them. The principal, Dr. Edward Salina, issued a statement expressing his condolences and praising Nuccio’s achievements and character.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dylan Nuccio, one of our finest students and a valued member of our school family. He was an exemplary student, a gifted musician, and a wonderful young man. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, humor, and generosity. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” Salina said.
The funeral services for Nuccio will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Massapequa. He is survived by his parents, Lisa and Frank Nuccio, his younger brother, Tyler, and his extended family and friends.
A Call for Action
Nuccio’s death has also sparked a call for action among some of his peers and community members, who are demanding more safety measures on the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway, where several fatal accidents have occurred in recent years.
They are calling for lower speed limits, more traffic cameras, better lighting, and more enforcement of the existing laws. They are also urging drivers to be more careful and responsible on the road, especially during the winter season, when the weather conditions can be unpredictable and hazardous.
“We need to do something to prevent more tragedies like this from happening. We need to make this road safer for everyone. We need to respect the lives of others and ourselves. We need to drive like Dylan’s life matters, because it does,” said Sarah Lee, a friend and fellow activist of Nuccio.
Nuccio’s death is a tragic loss for his family, his friends, his school, and his community. He was a young man with a bright future, a big heart, and a beautiful soul. He will be remembered and honored by all who knew him. He will be forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, Dylan Nuccio.
