Brentwood, NY (July 27, 2026) – A 29-year-old Bay Shore woman died early on Sunday after being struck by a vehicle on Third Avenue near Second Street in Brentwood, according to Suffolk County police. Ileana Cabrera was in the eastbound lane around 1:10 a.m. when a 2009 Nissan hit her.
She was taken to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, where she was pronounced dead. The Nissan’s 26-year-old driver, also of Bay Shore, was not hurt. The vehicle was impounded for a safety check. Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives continue to investigate.
Our condolences go out to Cabrera’s family and loved ones.
Why Are Nighttime Pedestrian Crashes More Likely to Be Fatal?
Visibility drops sharply after dark, and a driver’s ability to spot someone in the road depends heavily on streetlights, headlights, and how far ahead those lights actually reach. A pedestrian in dark clothing can be nearly invisible until a vehicle is very close.
Speed also plays a bigger role at night, since roads are quieter and drivers may travel faster than they would during busier daytime hours. A faster approach speed leaves less time to react if someone is in the roadway, and it increases the force involved if a crash does occur.
Impounding a vehicle after a crash like this is a standard step that allows investigators to check for any mechanical issues, such as brake function or headlight operation, that could have played a role. This kind of check helps rule out or confirm certain factors before the investigation moves forward.