Two brothers killed in Mount Sinai crash, Suffolk police say

Two brothers from Coram died when the 1998 Ford Mustang the younger one was driving crashed into a Jeep SUV in Mount Sinai on Thursday evening, Suffolk police said.

Darrius Jones, 16, and a student at Longwood High School, was headed south on County Road 83. When he turned left onto Canal Road, the Mustang and the Jeep collided, police said.

Jones was pronounced dead at Stony Brook University Hospital. His older brother, Darrell Jones, 28, who was riding in the car with him, was pronounced dead at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson, police said.

The driver of the Jeep, Alaina Dimaria, 28, was treated at Stony Brook University Hospital for minor injuries from the accident, which occurred shortly after 9 p.m., police said.

The accident sent shock waves through the Longwood High School community.

Darrius Jones had recently returned to playing football for the school and had attended practice Thursday, head coach Sean Kluber said.

"It’s overwhelming for everyone. He was such a happy kid, and he’d made the decision to come out and play football again in his senior year," said Kluber, who is in his first year as Longwood's coach.

The varsity football team had a scheduled home scrimmage against Bellport Friday night, and emotions were high.

Jones’ shoulder pads and helmet rested at midfield before the game, and his equipment was later joined by his green No. 21 Lions jersey, carried out by senior Joey Gallo and junior Mason Hauser as they took the field to warm up.

"We told the kids as a group this morning about what happened," Kluber said. "They voted to play for him."

Gallo and Hauser led the team walking onto the field in pairs. A moment of silence followed, and the team carried Jones’ equipment and jersey to the bench, where it remained.

"It was very special," Gallo said. "I feel like he was right there with me and he’s watching down on us. And I know he’s going to be with us the whole season."

Hauser said he will remember Jones for his kindness off the field. "No matter what, he went up to everyone and said ‘Get home safe’ and gave them a hug after practice."

"Throughout the season, he’ll never be forgotten," Hauser said. "He’ll still be a member of our team."

Longwood will donate proceeds from concessions and a collection in the bleachers to the family.

In an email Friday morning, the Longwood school superintendent said Darrius Jones was a "beloved" student at the high school.

"Darrius was a dedicated member of our high school football team and school community, and he will be missed dearly," Superintendent Lance Lohman wrote. "The passing of any student in our community is a tragedy for each and every one of us, and we offer our deepest condolences and prayers to Darrius’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time."

Additional counselors and support staff will be available at the high school and throughout the district, Lohman said.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call 631-854-8652.