A shocking car crash on Long Island has left a New York community heartbroken after a wrong-way driver, fueled by alcohol and drugs, killed two teenage tennis players. Amandeep Singh, 36, admitted in court to causing the crash that took the lives of 14-year-old Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz. Singh pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated.
The tragedy unfolded on May 3, 2023, in Jericho, a quiet town on Long Island. Earlier that evening, Singh had been drinking scotch and tequila and using cocaine at local bars, prosecutors said. Later, behind the wheel of his Dodge Ram pickup truck, he sped south on North Broadway—but in the northbound lanes. His reckless driving ended in a devastating collision with a 2019 Alfa Romeo carrying four boys, including Drew and Ethan, who were heading home from a celebratory tennis team dinner.
The crash was catastrophic. Drew and Ethan were killed instantly, while two other boys in the car were injured and hospitalized. Thankfully, they recovered. A second car was also hit, leaving two more people hurt, though they were treated at the scene and released.
Singh didn’t stay at the scene. Instead, he was found hiding near a dumpster in a nearby shopping center parking lot. Police arrested him, and bodycam footage showed his shocking reaction. At one point, he reportedly told officers, “So what if I drink and drive… maybe I did.” Tests later revealed his blood alcohol level was 0.18—more than twice the legal limit.
The loss of Drew and Ethan has devastated their families, friends, and the local community. The boys were more than just teammates; they were best friends and rising stars in the tennis world. Drew, ranked 38th nationally for players under 14, had been playing tennis since he was five years old. On the day of the crash, he had just won a match for Roslyn High School. Their coach, Jay Harris, described them as “amazing guys” and spoke about their deep bond and shared passion for the sport.
Drew’s family has since created the Drew Hassenbein Foundation to honor his memory. The foundation aims to bring tennis to underprivileged children by providing lessons and scholarships and supporting talented young players. Meanwhile, Ethan’s family launched the Ethan Falkowitz Foundation to continue spreading his boundless kindness and optimism. A GoFundMe page for Ethan reflects on his joy for life, his desire to make others happy, and his belief in the good in people.
This tragedy has left a deep scar on the community, but the families are determined to keep Drew and Ethan’s legacies alive. Their loss is a painful reminder of the consequences of drinking and driving—a choice that ended two young, promising lives far too soon.
