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A fundraising campaign to help cover funeral expenses for the 19-year-old East Hampton High School student killed in Sunday’s car wreck in Springs — which also left six other teens injured — has drawn more than $45,000 in donations.
Scarleth Urgiles, who dreamt of joining the U.S. Army and someday buying a home for her mother and younger brother, died when the car she was riding in — a 2009 Toyota Camry — veered off Old Stone Highway in Springs and hit a tree about 7:40 p.m., according to reports.
A GoFundMe was launched Monday by her mother, Gabriela Samaniego, and had received more than 500 contributions as of 1 p.m. on Tuesday. The family was trying to raise $28,000 by Wednesday in order to proceed with services.
“We are all heartbroken over Scarleth’s passing and were unprepared for the expense of a funeral service,” Samaniego wrote in the post. “We want to give her the memorial she deserves — a meaningful goodbye surrounded by the people she loved.”
“She tirelessly volunteered, taught, pursued, and creatively made a difference in the world,” Samaniego continued. “Her kindness will be missed every day.”
The driver in Sunday’s wreck, 18-year-old Luis Gonzalo Barrionuevo-Fuertes of Moriches, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated under Leandra’s Law, among other charges, according to authorities.
Police said he had been drinking with friends at the beach prior to the crash. The charges against him could eventually be upgraded.
A graduate of East Hampton High School, Barrionuevo-Fuertes works at Panera Bread in Riverhead, according to his attorney, Melissa Aguanno.
Aguanno noted that her client has no prior arrests and that he had intended to serve in the armed forces.
“He’s not a criminal. This is life changing for him. He’s devastated,” she said, following his arraignment Monday in East Hampton Town Justice Court.
Six other teens injured
Urgiles was pronounced dead at the scene. An 18-year-old passenger was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital in serious condition. Five other teens, ages 15 to 19, were taken to Southampton Hospital and are expected to recover.
In a letter to school families on Monday, East Hampton High School Principal Sara Smith called Urgiles “one of our beloved students.”
“There are no words that can fully express the sorrow we feel for the family, friends, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking loss,” Smith wrote. “During times like these, we are reminded of how strong and united the East Hampton community truly is.”
The district has brought in extra counselors to help students cope with the tragedy, Smith said.
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