Scarleth S. Urgiles, 19, of East Hampton, killed in crash that injured 6 others; driver, 18, charged with DWI

An East Hampton High School student was killed and six teens were hospitalized after a Sunday night crash that led to charges of drunken driving against the teen at the wheel and left the community "heartbroken."

Luis Gonzalo Barrionuevo-Fuertes, 18, of Moriches, a graduate of East Hampton High School, was driving a 2009 Toyota Camry south on Old Stone Highway, following a visit to the beach in which prosecutors said he was drinking, when the crash took place Sunday night.

He was driving in the wrong lane when he tried to avoid a vehicle heading directly at him, and lost control of the car, police said. The vehicle overturned and hit a tree near Deep 6 Drive just before 7:40 p.m. Sunday, according to police.

Passenger Scarleth S. Urgiles, 19, of East Hampton, died at the scene. Another passenger, an 18-year-old from East Hampton, was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was in serious but stable condition. Five others were transported to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital by East Hampton and Amagansett ambulances.

Barrionuevo-Fuertes was arrested at the scene. He was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated under Leandra’s Law, as well as with driving while intoxicated and endangering the welfare of a child. Leandra’s Law makes it a felony to drive while intoxicated with a passenger under age 16 in a vehicle.

Monday afternoon, Barrionuevo-Fuertes entered East Hampton Justice Court handcuffed and with his head hung low. Wearing a dark gray T-shirt and loose black jeans, he appeared upset and was seen shaking on multiple occasions. At one point the judge allowed him to sit after attorney Melissa Aguanno said her client was holding onto the stand for balance.

At his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty and bail was set at $400,000 cash, $800,000 bond, or $1.5 million in partial bonds with a $150,000 down payment. If bond is posted, Barrionuevo-Fuertes must surrender his passport and adhere to monitoring conditions, Town Justice Steven Tekulsky ruled.

Aguanno said her client was cooperative with law enforcement and had agreed to a blood alcohol test. Results were pending, she said.

Barrionuevo-Fuentes has no prior arrests, warrants or criminal charges. He works full time at Panera Bread in Riverhead, has studied law enforcement and had intended to go into the U.S. Army, Aquanno said.

"My client is devastated," Aguanno told reporters outside the courthouse. "His family does want to say that they are extremely sorry to the person that lost their life. Everyone is devastated. This is an absolute tragedy."

Barrionuevo-Fuertes' family members attended the arraignment, including his mother, girlfriend and girlfriend’s mother. A translator on the video conference app Zoom translated the arraignment into Spanish, speaking after the judge or attorneys finished their sentences.

Audible gasps and sobs could be heard from his relatives after the translator announced the judge’s bail ruling.

The family declined to comment and immediately left in an SUV upon exiting the courthouse.

On Monday evening, at the intersection where the crash took place, five bouquets of flowers were left on the tree that the car had crashed into, with the bark scratched off up to as high as about 7 feet.

Skid marks and shards of glass from the crash were visible on the roadway.

The East Hampton Union Free School District confirmed on its website that Urgiles had died and that counselors would be available at the school Monday.

"It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I share devastating news about a tragedy that has deeply affected our school and community," East Hampton High School Principal Sara Smith wrote. "One of our beloved students has passed away as a result of an automobile accident that also involved other East Hampton students who sustained injuries."

East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said in a statement: "There are moments when words fail. This is one of them. Our community is heartbroken. We are mourning the loss of Scarleth Urgiles, a 19-year-old young woman whose life ended far too soon. We are praying for those who were injured, and we are standing with their families as they face the unimaginable."

The statement said: "While nothing can ease this pain, we hope you feel the strength and love of the community around you. We will walk with you through this, together."

It added: "To our young people, I want you to hear this clearly. You do not have to carry this alone. If you are hurting, please talk to someone."

Police said the vehicle involved in the crash was impounded for a safety inspection and asked anyone with information about the crash to contact detectives at 631-537-7575.