A Hofstra University lacrosse player was killed after the car he was driving hit a tree on Long Island on New Year’s Day, officials say.
Joseph Ferriso, 19, died after the crash Thursday morning on Great Neck Road in Copiague, police and officials with the school both say.
Police say that Ferriso was driving his 2014 Jeep SUV when the vehicle careened off the left side of the roadway and slammed into the tree. The 19-year-old was taken to the hospital in serious condition and was pronounced dead on Saturday.
Ferriso was a sophomore at Hofstra and played defense on the lacrosse team. He graduated from Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, where he was a two-sport athlete. His father works at Hofstra University and his sister, Amy, played soccer at the school between 2004 and 2008.
"Words cannot describe the feeling of sorrow and sense of loss our team and the Hofstra Lacrosse family have at this time," said Seth Tierney, the head coach of the men’s lacrosse team. "Joe was the definition of teammate and if we cannot play with him, then we will play for him."
The school plans to fly flags at half-staff in memory of Ferriso, and a moment of silence will be held before a men's basketball game Monday night.
Funeral services for Ferriso will be held Friday morning at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Copiague.
