Crime & Safety

Residents React to Walsh's Death, Offer Condolences

Residents and readers of Patch express their sorrow and feelings about drunk driving in the wake of the death of the Lindenhurst teen in a June 24 car crash.

The tragic death of Lindenhurst teen Brittney Walsh in a June 24 car crash that produced DWI charges against a Babylon man, Michael Grasing, has spurred strong emotions in the community.

Lindenhurst residents and readers of Patch have posted condolences to the family and shared their reaction to the way she died - purportedly at the hands of Grasing, an alleged drunk driver Suffolk Police say hit her car on Montauk Highway causing it to flip several times before hitting a utility pole near .

Police said she died at the scene.

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Here’s a look at what some have said about the young teen's life and death:

: “My heart and prayers go out to the Walsh family. I cannot imagine the pain they must be in. No one should ever have to bury their child, and certainly not in such a horrific way. It's not fair that their sweet little girl's life was over before it started.”

Find out what's happening in Lindenhurstwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

: “There’s nothing that could be said to ease this family's tragic suffering, others than for your community to be there for them.”

Marlene Reilly Hayden: “Heartbreaking for this for kid just beginning her adult life. My sincerest condolences go to her family and friends.”

Donna B.: “It's so tragic and sad for two families, but my heart and soul go out to the family that lost an aspiring young lady and someone with so much potential.”

Chris Wilson: “How can this happen to such a beautiful child? My prayers go out the family and friends of Brittney. You’re always in my thoughts.”

: “I didn't know her, [but] I’ll miss her a lot because I know what the family is going through. I lost my sister from a drunk driver 24 years ago. My heart goes out to the family.”

: “I just came from the service for Brittney at the cemetery. So heartbreaking. My heart goes out to the family of this young lady. The tears that were shed were many. Her poor mom was inconsolable. And to think all of this was totally avoidable! I wish this tragedy could be a learning experience to those who drink and drive, but sadly we all know it won’t. RIP Brittney, and may God bless the Walsh family.”

: “My prayers are with Brittney's family. I can't even imagine what they must be feeling right now.”

Ewa Prusaczyk: “She was my son’s friend from school and track team - always with smile on her face. Her friends are so sad. It’s heartbreaking when I look at my son.”

Teresa Amoruso: “Nothing can ever replace the loss of Brittney. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Anyone's child could’ve been in that car, and more needs to be done to stop people who are selfish and go behind a wheel under the influence. There are taxis and other ways to travel when a person is drunk.”

theresa: “There are too many out there drinking and drugging. Sorry to say our area is full of them. Something has to be done. My prayers go out to Brittney’s family.”

rob: “My heart goes out to her family. I know how they feel. I lost a brother not too long ago from a car that hit him. God bless this family.”

Jennifer Hilsenbeck: “I saw Brittney grow up in our church. She was in my Sunday School class, and made confirmation with my son. Although it's been a few years since I've seen her, I can tell you what a sweet, kind girl she was from a nice family. She had everything to live for. So many lives are shattered from this - her family, friends, neighbors. It's a tragedy that should never have happened. My prayers are with them.”

Ralph Forbes: “Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the Walsh family. These DWI stories become emotional to my family and me because just thinking that about 10 years ago we had almost lost my cousin to a drunk driver running a red light.”

kathy: “My condolences to the Walsh family. I was picking my son up at Kmart on Sunday, and I saw a young girl getting into a car all decorated with Just Graduated signs! I thought, ‘How cute is that!’ My own son graduated on Friday night. I was quite shocked when I saw that car in the paper the next day. It’s just so sad.”

 

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