The quiet Thursday evening in the village of Copiague was shattered when the community learned that 69-year-old Louis Lasusa of neighboring Massapequa Park had died after being struck by a motor vehicle in a hit-and-run crash earlier that night. According to the Suffolk County Police Department, the incident occurred just before 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5.
Louis was walking north across busy Montauk Highway in Copiague when a gray sedan traveling westbound struck him at approximately 1051 Montauk Highway. The driver failed to stop, fleeing the scene immediately afterward, leaving Louis critically injured. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical examiner’s assistant, according to police.
The response by emergency services was swift, but unfortunately there was nothing more that could be done. Detectives from the Major Case Unit of the Suffolk County Police Department have launched a full-scale investigation and are asking anyone with information about the incident, the vehicle, or the driver to come forward. Tips may be submitted anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS or directly to the police at 631-852-6553. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
The news of Louis’s passing has rippled through the local community. Friends and neighbors remember him as a warm-hearted, respectful man who always took a moment to greet others and brighten their day. The shock of losing someone so genuine has left friends, family and neighbors searching for words. One resident described him simply as “a true gentleman whose presence brightened the community.” His death has opened wounds—and prompted calls for stronger pedestrian safety measures in the area.
Montauk Highway in Copiague, a well-trafficked corridor dotted with crosswalks and pedestrian access points, has long been flagged for its risk during evening hours. Residents say the combination of heavy westbound traffic, fading daylight and limited pedestrian refuge makes crossing especially hazardous. In the wake of this tragedy, local officials are urging drivers to reduce speed, remain vigilant, and yield to pedestrians—particularly after dark.
For his loved ones and the Copiague/Massapequa Park community, Louis’s loss is deeply personal. From casual sidewalk chats to neighborhood greetings, his gentle nature and caring spirit left an impression on many. While the investigation continues, his memory has already become a quiet rallying point for compassion, awareness and the simple act of looking out for one another.
As the community mourns Louis, they also wait—for answers, for justice, and for the driver who fled to come forward. In the meantime, they hold onto his kindness, his smile, and the impact he made. Louis Lasusa will be deeply missed—but never forgotten. ️
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