Islip, New York – Tragedy struck early Thursday morning when a wrong-way crash on the Southern State Parkway claimed the life of 9-year-old Eli Henrys. His mother, Kerri Bedrick, 32, has been charged with driving while intoxicated, among other serious offenses.
The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. near Exit 42 in Islip, New York. Authorities reported that Bedrick was driving a 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV in the wrong direction on the eastbound lanes of the parkway. A Suffolk County sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop her, but Bedrick allegedly sped past the officer, leading to a four-car pile-up.
Eli Henrys, who was in the back seat, was quickly pulled from the vehicle by a deputy and a state trooper. Despite their efforts to administer first aid, Eli was pronounced dead after being rushed to a nearby hospital.
The drivers of two other vehicles involved in the crash, identified as Haydee Meyer, 29, and David Picard, 24, were also hospitalized but are expected to recover. The fourth driver was not injured.
At the crash site, Bedrick, a resident of Centerport, was subjected to a field sobriety test, though authorities have not disclosed the results. She has been charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated unlicensed operation, operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs, aggravated DWI with a child under 16, and criminal possession of a stimulant. Bedrick is being held and is scheduled to be arraigned Friday morning.
The Suffolk County District Attorney and the state attorney general’s office are investigating the circumstances of the crash.
The family of Eli Henrys will announce his obituary and funeral service details at a later date. The community mourns the loss of a young life cut tragically short.