Tragic Accident at Chinese-Owned Nail Salon in New York Leaves 4 Dead and 9 Seriously Injured
In Deer Park, Suffolk County, New York, the “Hawaii Nail & Spa” salon owned by Chinese immigrants was struck by a drunk driver on the afternoon of June 28, resulting in a devastating accident that claimed the lives of 4 individuals and left 9 others seriously injured. On July 1, family members of the deceased 37-year-old salon owner Jiancai Chen held a press conference alongside Queens lawmakers to demand strict punishment for the drunk driver.
Representatives expressed condolences for the four deceased individuals, offered support for their families, and pledged to provide assistance during this difficult time. Congresswoman Meng Zhaowen stated that her office is in contact with the U.S. State Department to expedite visa applications for the parents of Wenjun Chen, the wife of Jiancai Chen, who is currently in critical condition in the ICU in China.
State Assemblyman and Chair of the State Aging Committee Ron Kim shared the immigrant background of many nail salon owners, emphasizing the tragic loss suffered by the Chen family. He condemned drunk driving as a senseless act that destroys lives and pledged support to alleviate the burdens faced by the family in the coming weeks.
Jiancai Chen’s brother Steven and sister Vicky expressed profound grief over the loss of their sibling, highlighting the family business that had been operating for over a decade. Jiancai Chen was described as hardworking and dedicated to his family, leaving behind two young children and a wife who remains in critical condition. The siblings recalled fond memories of gatherings and celebrations within the close-knit family, now shattered by the unforeseen tragedy.
The devastated family members urged for justice and accountability for the driver responsible, deeming him akin to a terrorist and demanding that he not be granted bail. They insisted that the driver must bear full responsibility for the tragic consequences of his actions.
The driver, 64-year-old Steven Schwally, faces charges of drunk driving, with a prior conviction in 2013 for a similar offense. Schwally had fallen asleep at the wheel and struck a mailbox in the previous case, resulting in a three-year probation sentence.
The fatal incident occurred at 4:32 p.m. on June 28, when the SUV driven by Steven Schwally crashed into the Hawaii Nail & Spa salon in Deer Park, Suffolk County, after crossing a shopping center parking lot and Grand Blvd. The impact caused the salon’s ceiling to collapse, leading to the deaths of four individuals, including three Chinese nationals, and injuring nine others, among them a 12-year-old girl.
Among the deceased were the salon owner Jiancai Chen, employee Yan Xu, and Meizi Zhang, along with off-duty police officer Emilia Rennhack, who had recently gotten married. Vincent Zheng, a relative of Jiancai Chen, set up a fundraising page on GoFundMe to support the family in light of their tragic loss.
The fundraising goal is set at $100,000, with over 400 donors contributing more than $25,000 at the time of writing. The GoFundMe donation page can be accessed at: https://tinyurl.com/n3nj7bcw