Four people, including an off-duty NYPD officer, lost their lives in a tragic accident at a nail salon in Long Island.
Emilia Rennhack, a newlywed, was one of the victims who died in a car crash caused by a suspected drunk driver.
The New York Post reported that on Friday afternoon, a tragic incident took place at Hawaii Nail & Spa in Deer Park, Suffolk County. Steven Schwally, who was reportedly drunk, crashed his 2020 Chevy Traverse into the salon's front window. This terrible accident led to several deaths and injuries, causing chaos and destruction.
Officer Emilia Rennhack, 30, was not on duty when she went to the salon to get ready for a wedding. She, along with others, got hit by Schwally's car, which also hurt a 12-year-old girl.
NBC News stated that the Suffolk County Police Department has identified the other three victims who died in the accident as Jiancai Chen, 37, from Bayside, Queens; Yan Xu, 41, from Flushing, Queens; and Meizi Zhang, 50, also from Flushing, Queens. Rennhack, a committed NYPD officer for six years assigned to the 102nd Precinct in Queens, was adored by her coworkers and loved ones.
She recently got married to another NYPD Detective, Carl Rennhack, who she met while working. Her mother-in-law, Holly Rennhack, had a fond memory of her.
Holy Rennhack praised his daughter-in-law, saying she was a fantastic person. She was lovely, kind, compassionate, and truly unique.
The law enforcement community and others have been greatly impacted by the tragedy. The Police Benevolent Association and the Det. Simonsen Foundation, established following the shooting of NYPD Det. Brian Simonsen, shared their sympathy and sorrow for Rennhack's premature passing.
The Simonsen Foundation is deeply saddened by the news of Emilia Rennhack's tragic death. They were a familiar face at our events and always showed respect for Brian.
Emilia will always be in our hearts. Carl, we have endless love for you and we will always be here for you.
Schwally, the driver involved in the accident, is still in the hospital. He is being charged with driving under the influence, and more charges may be added as the investigation continues.
Suffolk County Police stated that Schwally had a past of driving while intoxicated, admitting guilt to DUI charges in 2014. His actions on Friday caused devastation and sadness, leading to emotional reactions from acquaintances and witnesses.
David Caburis, who was familiar with Schwally from before, was surprised by the incident and said that Schwally had always seemed like a regular person with no signs of reckless behavior.
“I never knew him to drink and drive,” Caburis stated.
Edward, Schwally's sibling, expressed to the Post that he feels awful about innocent people being hurt, saying, “It's like my worst nightmare come true.”
Witnesses reported that Schwally was driving aggressively and getting into confrontations in the parking lot right before the crash.
As the inquiry into the accident progresses and the community grieves the lives lost, we send our condolences to all those affected by this unfortunate event.
