Patricia Espinosa dies in fatal Saint James car crash

Patricia Espinosa dies in fatal Saint James car crash
Fatal Saint James car crash death of Patricia Espinosa – Obituary

Patricia Espinosa, 42, an off-duty Nassau County police officer and devoted mother, was killed Saturday morning in a serious collision in Saint James, Long Island. The crash occurred shortly after 6 a.m. on Route 347 at Alexander Avenue when the 2019 Alfa Romeo she was driving was struck by a Chevy Silverado that ran a red light while heading northbound.

Matthew Smith, 20, of Hauppauge, the driver of the Silverado, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. His 25-year-old passenger also survived, and both were treated at Stony Brook Hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening. Officer Espinosa was pronounced dead at the same hospital. Known for her pride in her Hispanic heritage and dedication to her community, Espinosa leaves behind a two-year-old daughter and a grieving community that mourns the loss of a committed protector.