A teenager died after being injured in a sledding accident Monday night on Long Island during a massive snowstorm that dumped more than 2 feet of snow on parts of the area, according to Suffolk police.
Police say three 17-year-olds were taking turns snow tubing down Chester Court in Huntington at about 10 p.m. When it was Sean Urda's turn, he took a running start, slid rapidly down the hill and struck a light pole at the bottom, impacting his chest and ribs, authorities said.
Urda was first taken to one of the friend's houses, then to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to officials.
Detectives said his death appears to be a tragic accident.
"He had his whole life ahead of him. I don't know how you survive that as a parent," neighbor Neil McPherson said.
"It was so tragic to hear and such a shock," said classmate Katherine McPherson.
Neighbors said Chester Court isn't a popular place for sledding because the hill isn't all that steep. With 11 inches of snow on the ground by Tuesday morning, Huntington wasn't as hard hit as the rest of Suffolk, which bore the brunt of the storm: Orient got the most snow, 28.5 inches, while Southampton got 28 inches, Islip nearly 25, and Commack 20 inches.
