Hauppauge man, 85, killed after striking tree following likely medical episode
A man was killed in Lake Ronkonkoma Friday morning when his car struck a tree following a likely medical episode. Credit: James Carbone
An 85-year-old Hauppauge man was pronounced dead early Friday morning following a single-vehicle crash in Lake Ronkonkoma that police believe was the result of a medical episode.
Suffolk County police said John Anderson was driving a 2003 Mitsubishi truck northbound on Hawkins Avenue when “he apparently suffered a medical emergency” that caused the vehicle to leave the road and strike a tree.
The crash occurred at 7:37 a.m. The crash scene was near Wittridge Road and the Park Plaza Shopping Mall.
Police said Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician’s assistant from the county medical examiner’s office.
The vehicle was impounded for a safety check. Fourth Squad detectives are asking anyone with information on the incident to call them at 631-854-8452.
John Valenti, a Newsday reporter since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press, Society of the Silurians and National Headliner Awards for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing. He is the author of “Swee'pea,” about New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. His debut crime novel, “For Nothing Is Hidden,” rooted in 1950s Long Island, was released in October 2025.
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