Queens District Attorney Katz announced on July 23 that 26-year-old Reginald Nash was sentenced to 7 to 21 years in prison for a fatal car accident that occurred on Long Island Expressway in November 2023. The accident resulted in the death of one passenger and serious injuries to three others.
“This tragedy originated from the defendant’s decision to drink and drive at high speed, displaying extreme irresponsibility. This incident led to loss of life and caused physical and emotional trauma to the victims, altering lives forever. Today’s sentence serves as a reminder that everyone must be accountable for their actions,” said Katz.
Nash pleaded guilty in Queens Supreme Court in May to charges of vehicular manslaughter and second-degree assault. Judge Michael Hartofilis handed down the sentencing on July 23, imposing an indeterminate prison term.
According to the investigation, around 4:30 a.m. on November 19, 2023, Nash, who resides in Roosevelt, Long Island, was driving a 2021 Honda Accord on the eastbound lane of the Long Island Expressway at a speed of approximately 89 miles per hour. He crashed into a median barrier at the Greenpoint Avenue exit and then spun out of control, hitting another Toyota vehicle, which, in turn, collided with a Kia car. Nash’s Honda sustained severe damage and eventually came to a stop on the opposite lane of the highway.
23-year-old passenger Cameron Mency was ejected from the vehicle during the impact, flying approximately 90 feet before landing on the left lane without signs of life. She was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital.
The three other passengers sustained injuries, with one requiring multiple spinal surgeries and another suffering extensive head and body trauma, including a broken shin bone that has hindered their mobility to date. Nash’s sister was also seriously injured in the crash.
Prosecutors noted that Nash had a blood alcohol content of 0.12%, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08%. Data from the vehicle’s Event Data Recorder showed that the speed reached 89 miles per hour five seconds before the incident.