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Andrew Salgado, the 14-year-old varsity soccer athlete whose fight for survival in the wake of a traumatic bicycle accident galvanized the Miller Place and Sound Beach communities for over a month, has died.
The news was shared by his older brother, Joseph, in a deeply touching Instagram post Thursday afternoon, as well as by his travel soccer team.
Andrew had been hospitalized in critical condition at Stony Brook University Hospital since a bicycle accident on Route 25A in Miller Place on March 24.
“Since the day you were born I always had a built-in best friend,” Joseph Salgado wrote in the post. “I would do anything to have one more catch outside with you, come watch one more of your soccer games… You were going to be great and everyone knows that Andrew.”
A Brotherhood and a community
Joseph Salgado’s tribute detailed a life spent “doing everything together,” from childhood nights building stuffed-animal forts to playing the Rocket League video game together.
He called Andrew “the strongest kid I have ever met,” noting that his brother fought for every second of every day following the crash.
The Atlantic United Soccer Club on its Facebook page shared condolences over Andrew’s death.
“Atlantic United SC mourns the loss of B2012 MLS Next Academy Division player, Andrew Salgado,” the post reads. “Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the Salgado family, as well as our entire AUSC family.”
Maureen Keaveny Escobar commented on the soccer club’s post: “Such an amazing boy! Andrew, you will continue to be loved and remembered by your soccer family always.”
Massive community support
Andrew suffered traumatic injuries while riding his bike eastbound on the shoulder of Route 25A. Police said he struck a Ford F-550 truck that was making a turn into a local business.
The community’s response to the tragedy has been broad and sustained. Under the banner of “Pray for Andrew,” local residents and businesses have line the streets with blue ribbons in support of the Salgado family.
A GoFundMe campaign for the family has now raised more $120,000, with over 1,500 individual donors.
The fence at the Miller Place Duck Pond has been a growing memorial, draped in soccer jerseys and handwritten letters from classmates and friends.
In his Instagram post, Joseph Salgado expressed the family’s gratefulness for the outpouring of community support.
“The support that everyone has given us and the love the community has shown we could never thank everyone enough,” he wrote.
“Keep Andrew’s name alive for us and hug your love ones, and tell them you love them because you never know when it might be the last time you can.”
Later on Thursday, the Miller Place PTO announced it established a ThankBox as a place for the community to come together and share love, memories and support for Andrew’s family.
Condolences and thoughts immediately began pouring in.
“Our son Cody knew your Andrew and he only has the kindest words to say about him. We have all been praying since day one that Andrew would make a recovery,” wrote Melanie Reames. “And when Cody came home from school today and he told us that Andrew‘s injuries were too bad for him to survive it was the heaviest news we could hear.
“All we can think is that your family is so strong and the community is supporting you and hopefully in some way this helps you move forward through your grief,” Reames added.
Miller Place schools also made an announcement regarding Andrew’s death. The district’s superintendent, Seth Lipshie stressed in a statement the deep affected Adnrew’s passing has on the community.
“It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I share with you the passing of one of our North Country Road Middle School students, Andrew Salgado. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Andrew’s family, friends, and all those who knew and cared for them during this incredibly difficult time,” he wrote.
“As a community, we are deeply affected by this loss, and we recognize the impact it has on our students, staff, and families,” the superintendent continued. “We are committed to supporting one another in the days ahead by providing counseling and support services for students or staff. We ask that you keep the family and our school community in your thoughts. Together, we will honor the memory of Andrew with compassion and care.”
Andrew is survived by his parents, Manny Salgado and Kristianna Giordano-Salgado; his older brother Joseph; and a younger brother.
Top: Andrew Salgado (on right) with his older brother Joseph (Instagram/@joe.salgado24) and Duck Pond in Miller Place (Brian Harmon photo).
Prior coverage
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