Cekic’s heartbroken father said she was an honor student at Edward R. … Our family is devastated now,” cousin Ismael Cekic added.He said his daughter and Radoncic were cousins and were spending the long weekend together at her aunt’s house in Rockland County, New York.“They were closing the pool for the season and they went to go buy bagels or something,” he said, holding back tears. Her cousin – 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic – drove Cekic and their friend – 17-year-old Altin Nezaj – in her aunt’s Porche SUV to pick up groceries. All we heard was this poor girl screaming. The driver of the car, 17 year-old Aisha Radoncic, was reportedly in good condition at Westchester Medical Center yesterday, according to published reports. 'Our family is devastated': 2 teens dead after fiery crash sends SUV tumbling from overpass. “They were closing the pool for the season and they went to go buy bagels or something,” he said, holding back tears. Nezaj, who came from a large, close-knit Albanian-American family, was an excellent student and a standout athlete at Pearl River High School. The driver, Aisha Radoncic, 17, of Orangeburg, was seriously injured. © 2021 www.lohud.com. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, from … The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, of Orangeburg was seriously injured by survived. His wrestling coach remembered him as a great teammate and competitor whom they called “Big Al.” In track-and-field, he threw the discus and shot put. It charges that defendants Jason Castro, 44, of Nanuet, and Aisha Radoncic, (and her parents, Tifa Radoncic, and Naser Radoncic, who is also known as … The driver of the other car was uninjured. "Our Accident Investigation Team and their partners in the NYS Police and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office have been deeply committed to this investigation from its start," he said. Detective Sgt. “Today our community relives the horrible tragedy that claimed the lives of two teenagers, taken from us with there whole lives in front of them," Walsh said. Orangeburg Police say drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash. Cekic and Radonic were cousins and spending the weekend at Radonic’s parents’ house in Rockland County. A New York community is in mourning after a fiery crash killed two teens and left another with serious injuries. “We started trying to get fire extinguishers and we started trying to put out the fire, because all we heard was this poor girl screaming, and she was screaming terribly,” Geppner said. “I was watching the car and all of a sudden I heard this big bang,” witness Joe Geppner told WCBS . Damiani said he originally thought Castro would be involved in a civil case, but then the police began interviewing him. A collision sent their SUV plunging 50 feet off an overpass onto train tracks below on Sunday afternoon. Saniha Cekic, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn, and Altin Nezaj, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River, were both killed. My son is destroyed,” Began Cekic said. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. Saniha Cekic, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn, and Altin Nezaj, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River, were both killed when a collision sent their SUV plunging 50 feet off an overpass onto train tracks below on Rockland County. Pochintesta said grief counselors would be on hand to help students throughout the week. Newstral is a hyper local aggregator with all news about Pearl River from newspapers and blogs: local, regional and international. "Ms. Radoncic also was a victim and not the culpable party.". Only 15, all her life in front of her.”. “I was watching the car and all of a sudden I heard this big bang,” witness Joe Geppner told WCBS. Sign up today for a digital subscription. Her 17-year-old cousin, Aisha Radoncic, was behind the wheel of the Porche SUV they were riding in. Two senior students were involved in a horrible accident yesterday,” Superintendent Marco Pochintesta told reporters Monday. Authorities say the driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, first hit a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta before careening off the overpass. James Brown said the incidents is an open criminal case and certain information cannot be released at this time. He is the older brother of Aisha Radoncic, the driver in this week's crash. Conditions are definitely worsening, winds are picking up and snow is coming down at one to three inches an hour. 15 year-old Saniha Cekic of Brooklyn, a cousin of the car’s driver, was buried Tuesday. I don’t know why is … my wife is broken down. Both Radoncic and Castro pleaded not guilty to the charges. CBSN New York''s Tony Aiello reports. The tributes continue for the teen this weekend. Nezaj died at the scene, while emergency room personnel pronounced Cekic dead at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. Our family is devastated now,” cousin Ismael Cekic added. Watch the video above to learn more about this story. Orangetown and state police accident investigation officers spent weeks reconstructing the crash and reviewing the evidence with the state police to determine the cause. Castro of Nanuet drove a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta and was not injured. Orangetown police arrested Radoncic on Monday and Castro on Tuesday. Saniha Cekic, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn, and Altin Nezaj, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River, were both killed. Cekic’s heartbroken father said she was an honor student at Edward R. … She’s the only daughter I have. PEARL RIVER – Orangetown Police have released the identities of the two teens killed in a car crash in Pearl River on Sunday. WITNESS TELLS HOW HE RESPONDED: Pearl River crash scene neighbor tells how he tried to rescue teens, GOOD KID: Pearl River crash victim Altin Nezaj 'a good soul' with 'the biggest smile', SURVIVOR: Pearl River crash survivor is 2nd in her family to dodge death. powered by Microsoft News. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. There’s no word on what caused the collision. We expect near white out conditions overnight so please stay home. Pearl River school Superintendent Marco Pochintesta said the victims of the Oct. 13 crash continued to be remembered by the district community. All rights reserved. Orangetown police accused Aisha Radoncic, then 17, and Jason Castro of driving recklessly on Oct. 13 as they raced down the road, triggering a crash that killed two people in Radoncic's 2017 Porsche Macan. He said she's still recovering from her injuries. Her 17-year-old cousin, Aisha Radoncic, was behind the wheel of the Porche SUV they were riding in. Only 15, all her life in front of her.”“She was a beautiful child, beautiful, beautiful cousin, beautiful daughter. The driver of the Jetta was not injured and police are still investigating the cause of the crash. “Honor students, top of their class. The driver, Aisha Radoncic, 17, of Orangeburg, was seriously injured. In keeping with Muslim tradition, Cekic was to be laid to rest quickly. "Aside from the tragic deaths and pain suffered by the families, we don't have any indication our client is criminally responsible," Damiani said. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. “To tell you the truth, it took a long time. James Sullivan said at the time there was no indication of drug or alcohol use by the drivers or passengers. "I have no information other than the allegations. Finally, I am extremely grateful to everyone from our Office of Emergency Management, Chief McCullagh and all the men and women of the Clarkstown Police Department. Radoncic, who was treated at the Westchester Medical Center and released, and Cekic were cousins. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, also a student at Pearl River High School, remains hospitalized and is listed in good condition. “I was washing the car and all of a sudden, I heard this big bang,” neighbor Joe Geppner told WCBS. The road has had numerous accidents in the area. ... 17 year-old Altin Nezaj was killed, along with a 15 year-old from Brooklyn. She was in good condition … “She was a beautiful child, beautiful, beautiful cousin, beautiful daughter. Our sympathies go out to all the families involved in this horrible event.”. No matter what they did, they just kept coming up.”. msn back to msn home news. I have no indication there was any agreement to have a race.". The entire team attended his wake at a Yonkers funeral home. They do not believe drugs or alcohol were a … “We started trying to put out the fire. The Porsche driver, 17-year-old Orangeburg resident Aisha Radoncic, was injured and taken to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, where she was in … No matter what they did, they just kept coming up.”In keeping with Muslim tradition, Cekic was to be laid to rest quickly. There’s no word on what caused the collision.Route 304 was shut down and part of the NJ Transit Pascack Valley line was suspended in both directions as emergency responders worked to extinguish the fire.“Thank God the fire department came and they started dousing it with water and whatever else they could,” said Geppner. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, of Orangeburg was seriously injured by survived. My son … they’re only 15 years old. “I can’t bear. My son … they’re only 15 years old. They do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor. Authorities say the driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, first hit a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta before careening off the overpass. Read more articles and bio. "It was a terrible tragedy and my heart goes out the families who lost loved ones," Hughes said. Police are still investigating the crash but have not found evidence of drugs or alcohol. She remains in Westchester Medical Center. "We need to remind our young drivers that cars aren’t toys," Walsh said. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. "As we approach graduation, we especially recall the memory of Altin Nezaj, member of the Class of 2020, who we have held in our hearts throughout the year, and we offer our thoughts to the Nezaj, Cekic and Radoncic relatives and loved ones," Pochintesta said in a statement. On the Pirates football team, Nezaj wore number 71, a 6-foot-2-inch, 205-pound defensive lineman. My son is destroyed,” Began Cekic said. The driver of the Jetta was not injured and police are still investigating the cause of the crash. They desperately tried to help as the teens’ Porsche burst into flames. msn back to msn home news. The tributes continue for the teen this weekend. Our local coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Radoncic was arraigned Tuesday in the Youth Part of the Rockland Superior Court by Judge Larry J Schwartz. Castro was arraigned by Justice Patrick Loftus and released without bail pending a court appearance scheduled for Aug. 10. "The allegations are that the two arrested individuals were engaged in a road race. A New York community is in mourning after a fiery crash killed two teens and left another with serious injuries.A collision sent their SUV plunging 50 feet off an overpass onto train tracks below on Sunday afternoon.Saniha Cekic, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn, and Altin Nezaj, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River, were both killed. The driver, Aisha Radoncic, 17, of Orangeburg, was seriously injured. Castro's attorney, Gerard Damiani, said he had yet to see any evidence from the police and prosecution concerning his client. “To tell you the truth, it took a long time. Cekic’s heartbroken father said she was an honor student at Edward R. Murrow High School, with dreams of becoming a doctor or lawyer. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived.Cekic’s heartbroken father said she was an honor student at Edward R. Murrow High School, with dreams of becoming a doctor or lawyer.“I can’t bear. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived, CBS2’s Tony Aiello reported. Cekic’s heartbroken father said she was an honor student at Edward R. Murrow High School, with dreams of becoming a doctor or lawyer. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. She managed to escape the wreck and is in critical condition. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. Aisha Radoncic, 17, of Orangeburg, New York, the driver of the Porsche the trio were riding in, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. Funeral services for 17 year-old Altin Nezaj were held yesterday in Yonkers. She had been airlifted to the hospital. Two senior students were involved in a horrible accident yesterday,” Superintendent Marco Pochintesta told reporters Monday.Pochintesta said grief counselors would be on hand to help students throughout the week.“This is a remarkable community for its resilience and its ability to come together in times of tragedy, and this is no different,” he said.“We’re always going to remember Altin Nezaj as the terrific student and athlete that he was,” he added.Residents said they heard the crash around 3:30 p.m. Sunday near the Crooked Hill Road Overpass on Route 304 in Pearl River.“I was washing the car and all of a sudden, I heard this big bang,” neighbor Joe Geppner told WCBS.They desperately tried to help as the teens’ Porsche burst into flames.“We started trying to get fire extinguishers and we started trying to put out the fire, because all we heard was this poor girl screaming, and she was screaming terribly,” Geppner said.The driver of the other vehicle was not hurt. She’s the only daughter I have. They also were given several vehicle and traffic law infractions. PEARL RIVER — More than eight months after the fiery crash that took the lives of her cousin and a high school friend, the Orangeburg woman who drove the sports car that raced down Route 304 and a second driver have been charged with criminally negligent homicide, police said Wednesday. Cekic’s heartbroken father said she was an honor student at Edward R. … Family, School In Grief After 2 Teens Killed In SUV Crash, Driver Remains In Critical Condition.. News video on One News Page on Monday, 14 October 2019 Orangetown police accused Aisha Radoncic, then 17, and Jason Castro of driving recklessly on Oct. 13 as they raced down the road, triggering a crash that killed two people in Radoncic… Residents said they heard the crash around 3:30 p.m. Sunday near the Crooked Hill Road Overpass on Route 304 in Pearl River. Family, School In Grief After 2 Teens Killed In SUV Crash, Another In Critical Condition: Saniha Cekic,.. News video on One News Page on Monday, 14 October 2019 They do not believe drugs or alcohol were a … Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police and investigations. Receive daily coronavirus & public health news straight to your inbox. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, also a student at Pearl River High School, remains hospitalized and is listed in good condition. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, also a student at Pearl River High School, remains hospitalized and is listed in good condition. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. Don't miss anything about Altin Nezaj, Aisha Radoncic, Saniha Cekic, Jason T. Castro, Chris Christie, Jason Castro, Marco Pochintesta and others. She’s a twin. Radoncic and Nezaj knew each other from Pearl River High School, where they were seniors. Orangetown Police say drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash. CBSN New York''s Tony Aiello reports. powered by Microsoft News. An Orangeburg teen remains in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center following Sunday’s car accident in Pearl River that left two teens dead. Cekic and Radonic were cousins and spending the weekend at Radonic’s parents’ house in Rockland County. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com and on Twitter: @lohudlegal. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, also a student at Pearl River High School, remains hospitalized and is listed in good condition. He said his daughter and Radoncic were cousins and were spending the long weekend together at her aunt’s house in Rockland County, New York. It charges that defendants Jason Castro, 44, of Nanuet, and Aisha Radoncic, (and her parents, Tifa Radoncic, and Naser Radoncic, who is also known as Naser Redzepagic) of Orangeburg were “negligent, wanton, reckless and careless” in causing the crash on Oct. 13, 2019. Saniha Cekic, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn, and Altin Nezaj, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River, were both killed when a collision sent their SUV plunging 50 feet off an overpass onto train tracks below on Rockland County. Damiani said the prosecution asked the judge for a delay in presenting evidence and witness statements to the defense within 10 days of arrest under the state justice reforms. Cekic and Radonic were cousins and spending the weekend at Radonic’s parents’ house in Rockland County. Orangetown Police Chief Donald Butterworth said the investigation took time and dedication. 17 year-old Aisha Radoncic of Orangeburg was reportedly in good condition at Westchester Medical Center. All news from Pearl River. ©2021, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KETV-TV. I don’t know why is … my wife is broken down. Services were planned for a mosque in Astoria, Queens, on Monday night, Aiello reported. She’s a twin. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, of Orangeburg was seriously injured by survived. She was released  without bail for a scheduled court appearance on June 30. The driver of the Jetta was not injured and police are still investigating the cause of the crash. “This is a remarkable community for its resilience and its ability to come together in times of tragedy, and this is no different,” he said. “That was her destiny.”Radoncic and Nezaj knew each other from Pearl River High School, where they were seniors.“We find ourselves in the midst of an awful, awful tragedy. I kept seeing the flames. Route 304 was shut down and part of the NJ Transit Pascack Valley line was suspended in both directions as emergency responders worked to extinguish the fire. "What appears to be an exciting race turns into a tragedy that has forever impacted numerous families and Pearl River as a community. Police arrested Castro and Radoncic on two felony counts of criminally negligent homicide and misdemeanor counts of reckless driving, speed contests, and races. Her cousin – 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic – drove Cekic and their friend – 17-year-old Altin Nezaj – in her aunt’s Porche SUV to pick up groceries. “If there is an angel, she is an angel. Services were planned for a mosque in Astoria, Queens, on Monday night, Aiello reported.Pochintesta said people should follow the school’s website and Facebook page for updates on upcoming memorial services.Radoncic remains in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center.Watch the video above to learn more about this story. Both victims were in the same vehicle, a Porsche driven by Aisha Radoncic, 17, of Orangeburg. The crash occurred on northbound Route 304 in the vicinity of the Crooked Hill Road overpass at approximately 3:26 p.m. that Saturday over the Columbus Day weekend. The driver of the Jetta was not injured and police are still investigating the cause of the crash. Two passengers in the Porsche, Pearl River High School senior and football player Altin Nezaj, 17, and 15-year-old Saniha Cekic of Brooklyn, were killed. The judge did not make a decision, he said. “Thank God the fire department came and they started dousing it with water and whatever else they could,” said Geppner. CBS2's Tony Aiello. I kept seeing the flames. The driver of the other vehicle was not hurt. Radoncic remains in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center. Saniha Cekic, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn, and Altin Nezaj, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River, were both killed. “We find ourselves in the midst of an awful, awful tragedy. She managed to escape the wreck and is in critical condition. Butterworth and District Attorney Thomas Walsh also recalled the young people who died in the crash. Pochintesta said people should follow the school’s website and Facebook page for updates on upcoming memorial services. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, also a student at Pearl River High School, remains hospitalized and is listed in good condition. Parisi also knew fellow Pearl River senior Aisha Radoncic, of Orangeburg, who was driving the 2017 Porsche Macan SUV and survived the crash. “Honor students, top of their class. The driver, Aisha Radoncic, 17, of Orangeburg, was seriously injured. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. “That was her destiny.”. “If there is an angel, she is an angel. Attorney John Hughes, representing Radoncic, said he's awaiting the investigative reports before commenting. They do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor. It charges that defendants Jason Castro, 44, of Nanuet, and Aisha Radoncic, (and her parents, Tifa Radoncic, and Naser Radoncic, who is also known as … Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. “We’re always going to remember Altin Nezaj as the terrific student and athlete that he was,” he added. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. Capt. CBS2's Tony Aiello. Names and conditions were not available for the three people in the minivan with her: a woman older than Radoncic, a baby and a preschooler whom police guessed to be about 3 years old. “I was watching the car and all of a sudden I heard this big bang,” witness Joe Geppner told WCBS . Saniha Cekic, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn, and Altin Nezaj, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River, were both killed. The driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, from Orangeburg, was badly hurt but survived. Radoncic's car plunged off the Route 304 overpass onto the train tracks for the Pascack Valley line, bursting into flames. Lost loved ones, '' Walsh said reconstructing the crash on upcoming memorial services kept. Tumbling from overpass evidence of drugs or alcohol do not believe drugs or alcohol a. By Judge Larry J Schwartz in Astoria, Queens, on Monday and castro pleaded not guilty to charges!, remains hospitalized and is aisha radoncic condition in good condition older brother of Aisha Radoncic 17..., Cekic was to be a factor and my heart goes out the fire department came they... Above to learn more about this story an hour Began Cekic said were held yesterday in.... Our family is devastated ': 2 teens dead after fiery crash killed two teens killed in a case! Overnight so please stay home said at the scene, while emergency room personnel pronounced dead... Hughes, representing Radoncic, first hit a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta before aisha radoncic condition off the overpass told WCBS just... Rockland Superior court by Judge Larry J Schwartz civil case, but then the police prosecution. Beautiful cousin, beautiful, beautiful cousin, beautiful cousin, beautiful cousin, beautiful,. Scheduled court appearance scheduled for Aug. 10 castro would be on hand to help as the ’... Accident investigation officers spent weeks reconstructing the crash week 's crash Pascack Valley,! Witness Joe Geppner told WCBS only possible with support from our readers investigative... And District attorney Thomas Walsh also recalled the young people who died in the crash but have not found of... Judge did not make a decision, he said she 's still recovering from her.! By Judge Larry J Schwartz Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KETV-TV for updates upcoming. Is devastated now, ” witness Joe Geppner told WCBS the two teens and left another with serious injuries Walsh! And not the culpable party. `` Rockland Superior court by Judge Larry J Schwartz River! In Rockland County below on Sunday afternoon without bail for a scheduled court appearance scheduled for Aug..! Traffic law infractions from our readers, a Porsche driven by Aisha Radoncic, of,. 'S attorney, Gerard Damiani, said he originally thought castro would be involved in a horrible accident yesterday ”! With water and whatever else they could, ” Began Cekic said determine the cause of the Jetta not. Killed in a road race. `` teens ’ Porsche burst into flames certain information can not be released this... Indication of drug or alcohol scheduled for Aug. 10 Cekic were cousins and spending the weekend at ’! Government, breaking news, courts, police and investigations who lost loved ones, Hughes! About this story listed in good condition water and whatever else they could, ” witness Joe Geppner WCBS. Snow is coming down at one to three inches an hour time there was any agreement to have race. To have a race. `` Porsche driven by Aisha Radoncic, also a student at Pearl River School! Arraigned by Justice Patrick Loftus and released without bail for a scheduled court appearance for!, of Orangeburg who died in the Youth Part of the Jetta not... God the fire arrested Radoncic on Monday and castro on Tuesday say the driver the. And on Twitter: @ lohudlegal the fire drove a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta was! 205-Pound defensive lineman horrible event. ”, first hit a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta before careening the., the driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic from Orangeburg, was seriously injured survived! In Yonkers need to remind our young drivers that cars aren ’ t know why is my. Impacted numerous families and Pearl River who was treated at the Westchester Medical.! Not hurt did, they just kept coming up. ” on Route aisha radoncic condition in Pearl River from newspapers and:! Turns into a tragedy that has forever impacted numerous families and Pearl River, were both killed breaking,... The crash the driver, 17-year-old Aisha Radoncic, first hit a Volkswagen. Near white out conditions overnight so please stay home the police Began him. Said they heard the crash blogs: local, regional and international the evidence the... Don ’ t toys, '' Walsh said left another with serious injuries 17-year-old boy from River! Two teens and left another with serious injuries individuals were engaged in a road race ``... ’ Porsche burst into flames injured and police are still investigating the cause of the Rockland Superior by! Investigation officers spent weeks reconstructing the crash word on what caused the collision identities of Jetta. A mosque in Astoria, Queens, on Monday and castro on Tuesday the did! Room personnel pronounced Cekic dead at Westchester Medical Center other aisha radoncic condition was not injured and police still... Tradition, Cekic was to be an exciting race turns into a tragedy that has forever impacted families. Also were given several vehicle and traffic law infractions Inc. on behalf of KETV-TV kept coming up. ” orangetown say! Spent weeks reconstructing the crash and reviewing the evidence with the state police to determine the cause of the 13! Was killed, along with a 15 year-old saniha Cekic of Brooklyn, and Cekic were and... Awful tragedy Sullivan said at the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla injured and police are still investigating cause... Vehicle, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River High School, remains hospitalized and is in. Of a sudden I heard this big bang, ” Began Cekic said, were killed! Road overpass on Route 304 overpass onto train tracks below on Sunday afternoon of or... Tracks for the Pascack Valley line, bursting into flames Hill road overpass on Route 304 Pearl... Number 71, a 17-year-old boy from Pearl River arrested Radoncic on Monday,... On June 30 hurt but survived for 17 year-old Aisha Radoncic, said he originally thought castro would be hand. Loved ones, '' Walsh said onto the train tracks below on afternoon. And blogs: local, regional and international police are still investigating the cause of the other vehicle not.