Malverne teen killed in Merrick Road crash

A 15-year-old girl from Malverne was killed and two others were injured in an accident on Merrick Road in the west end of Valley Stream Monday night.

According to police, a 19-year-old man was driving his 2000 Toyota westbound on Merrick Road near Boden Avenue when he struck a 2009 Toyota, being driven by a 31-year-old man, that was making a U-Turn in front of them. The first vehicle continued down the road, then struck several parking meters and a utility pole before coming to rest in the eastbound lanes. The accident occurred at 9:23 p.m. on Jan. 27.

The 15-year-old girl, identified as Cindy Garcia, as well as her 13-year-old sister, Elizabeth Garcia Gamez, were passengers in the 2000 Toyota. Elizabeth Garcia was ejected from the vehicle. They, along with the 19-year-old, were transported to an area hospital.

A staff physician pronounced Cindy Garcia dead at 10:30 p.m. Her sister was listed in critical condition with severe head and body trauma, while the 19-year-old was admitted with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.

Cindy Garcia was a sophomore at Malverne High School. She entered the district is 2012, after attending Valley Stream Memorial Junior High School for a year.

“Cindy was a positive and happy spirited girl who was liked by many people,” Malverne Superintendent Dr. James Hunderfund said. “She enjoyed playing soccer and being with her friends. In the short time that she was with us, she left a huge impact within our district.”

Elizabeth Garcia Gamez is in eighth-grade at Howard T. Herber Middle School.

The identities of the two drivers were not released. Both cars were impounded for brake and safety checks. No criminal charges have been filed and the investigation is continuing.