Bicyclist Eryk McPherson, 19, dies after being hit by DWI driver in Central Islip, cops say

A Brentwood man who was struck by a suspected drugged driver while riding a bicycle in Central Islip died Monday from his injuries, the Suffolk County police said.

Eryk McPherson, 19, was riding his bicycle about 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Joshuas Path and Vanderbilt Avenue when he was struck by a 2012 Honda sedan driven by David Alfaro, 21, of Central Islip, according to police.

McPherson was taken by ambulance to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, where he died Monday morning, police said.

Alfaro was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and driving without a license.

Alfaro pleaded not guilty Monday in First District Court in Central Islip. His bail was set at $100,000 cash or $300,000 bond. He is scheduled to be back in court Friday.

It was not immediately clear if he would face additional charges in the wake of McPherson's death. His attorney with Suffolk County Legal Aid Society could not be reached for comment.

McPherson is the fourth bicyclist killed on Long Island this year, according to a Newsday database of fatal crashes reported by police. Seven bicyclists died in crashes in 2023. 

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.