New Rochelle Man Identified in Tragic Manhasset Crash: 41-Year-Old Driver Dies After Vehicle Slams Into Historic Quaker Meeting House
MANHASSET, NY — June 20, 2025 — A tragic early morning crash has left a Long Island community in mourning and a centuries-old landmark in ruins. Authorities have identified 41-year-old Johnathan Reyes of New Rochelle, New York, as the driver who lost his life after crashing his vehicle into the historic Quaker Meeting House in Manhasset on Thursday.
The violent crash occurred around 4:15 a.m. on Northern Boulevard, when Reyes’ vehicle—believed to be traveling at a high rate of speed—left the roadway, veered off-course, and slammed directly into the landmark structure, erupting in flames shortly after impact. First responders arrived within minutes to find the vehicle engulfed in fire and the Meeting House heavily damaged by both the crash and subsequent blaze.
Despite the efforts of firefighters and emergency medical personnel, Reyes was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Life Lost, a Landmark Scarred
Johnathan Reyes, described by friends and family as a hardworking and devoted father of two, is remembered as someone who brought warmth and loyalty to every room he entered. Originally from the Bronx but recently residing in New Rochelle, Reyes worked in HVAC installation and was admired for his work ethic, sense of humor, and the love he had for his children.
“It’s devastating,” said a close friend of the family. “He was just trying to do right by his kids, and now he’s gone. We’re all struggling to make sense of it.”
As investigators continue to piece together the events that led to the crash, members of the Manhasset Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) are grappling with the damage to their cherished place of worship—a building that has stood since the late 1600s, serving as both a religious and historical touchstone for the community.
The Scene of the Crash
Authorities from Nassau County Police Department, along with the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, responded swiftly to the crash. Upon arrival, they found Reyes’ vehicle embedded deep within the structure, flames spreading rapidly.
It took fire crews over an hour to fully extinguish the blaze and secure the scene. The Quaker Meeting House, a designated historical landmark, suffered significant structural damage, including a partially collapsed wall and extensive charring to the foundation and support beams.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said a longtime member of the Meeting House. “That building has survived three centuries of change, and in one night, it’s nearly gone.”
Cause Under Investigation
The Nassau County Crash Reconstruction Unit has launched a full investigation into the circumstances leading up to the accident. Preliminary findings suggest speed may have been a major factor, though toxicology tests and a mechanical examination of the vehicle are underway.
Police have stated that there is no immediate indication of foul play, and weather conditions at the time were dry and clear. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed to further determine the vehicle’s path and speed in the moments leading up to the collision.
Historical and Emotional Loss
Beyond the human tragedy, the destruction of the Manhasset Quaker Meeting House marks a major loss for both the local and national historical community. The building has stood for more than 300 years, a symbol of peace, simplicity, and religious tolerance.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Meeting House has hosted generations of worshippers, civil rights gatherings, and educational tours for students studying early American history.
“It wasn’t just a building—it was a living piece of history,” said a local historian. “It was one of the oldest continuously used religious structures in New York State.”
Efforts are already being discussed to restore and rebuild the Meeting House, though preservationists warn that recreating the original craftsmanship will be a monumental challenge.
A Community in Mourning
As Manhasset residents process the surreal and heartbreaking collision of personal tragedy and historical devastation, tributes have poured in for both Johnathan Reyes and the Meeting House itself. Flowers have been left near the crash site. Quaker members held a small vigil in the park adjacent to the site, offering silent prayers for Reyes and his grieving family.
“This is a reminder of how fragile life is,” said one attendee. “We lost a person, a father, and we also lost a piece of who we are as a community.”
Final Thoughts
The tragic accident that claimed the life of 41-year-old Johnathan Reyes and left the historic Manhasset Quaker Meeting House in ruins is a moment of deep loss on many levels. As investigations continue and the community begins to pick up the pieces, thoughts and prayers remain with Reyes’ loved ones—and with those working to preserve the memory of a building that held centuries of silent witness to the story of a town.
Funeral arrangements for Johnathan Reyes will be announced by his family in the coming days. Local officials and community leaders are expected to hold a town meeting to discuss restoration efforts for the Meeting House and how the public can contribute.