Community Corner
Westhampton Beach Grad Dies in Tragic DWI Crash
Family and friends are planning a candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. at East Quogue Park.
Only hours after graduating from , celebration turned to grim tragedy and friends are mourning East Quiogue resident Cameron Nicholls, 18, who they say lost his life in a tragic DWI car crash Sunday night.
Friends and family have created a Facebook page, “RIP Cameron Nicholls” to share their grief and remember a young life lost too soon.
Nicholls, who worked at Hampton Watersports, was a windsurfing instructor, his first love, according to his Facebook page. He was headed to Dean College.
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According to Southampton Town police, Nicholls was a passenger in a car driven by Tyler Geib, 17, who has been charged with DWI and who was taken for treatment to Brookhaven Hospital.
One resident of tree-lined Lewis Road, Carol, who asked that her last name not be used, said she was just sitting down with her husband when she heard a horrible crash with brakes screeching. She rushed outside and witnessed a teenager, shaken from the accident and panic-stricken, who she tried to comfort.
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“When a tragedy like this happens the whole community mourns,” Kym Laube, executive director of HUGS in Westhampton Beach. “We all feel the loss. Unfortunately from Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered the 100 most deadly days of summer.”
Laube said more teens die during prom and graduation season from alcohol related crashes than any other time of year nationwide.
“Generally, statistics roll off the tip of my tongue; however, when it hits so close to home and in my community, my heart is heavy,” she said.
"Though I didn't know Cameron personally, I am deeply saddened by the tragedy and all of my sympathies go to his family," said Rachel Paoletta, who graduated Westhampton Beach High school last June. "I cannot imagine the anguish they are experiencing and I think it's our duty as members of the Westhampton Beach community to help them rebuild."
"Love you, man, always will," said friend Owen Lewis, of Nicholls.
Nicholls graduated in a ceremony at Westhampton Beach High school Sunday. Laube and her husband, Kerry Laube, of the Westhampton Beach Village Police Department, held a on Wednesday night, speaking against the dangers of underage drinking and driving.
Friends and family are organizing a candlelight memorial vigil at 8 p.m. at the East Quogue Park, 630 Montauk Highway, East Quogue. During the vigil, said she will be playing her guitar in memory of her boyfriend.
