By Crash News Writer 
Brentwood, NY (November 12, 2026) – An off-duty NYPD sergeant was killed early Wednesday morning, November 11, following a two-vehicle collision on the eastbound Long Island Expressway near Exit 55 in Brentwood. According to Suffolk County police, the accident involved a Jeep that overturned after striking a guardrail and was subsequently hit by a Subaru, causing the Jeep to catch fire.
The collision occurred at approximately 2:55 a.m. on the eastbound side of Interstate 495. Authorities identified the deceased driver as Javier Ramirez, an 11-year veteran of the New York City Police Department.
According to investigators, Ramirez was driving a Jeep eastbound when his vehicle struck a guardrail along the right shoulder of the expressway. The impact caused the Jeep to overturn.
Police reported that a Subaru then struck the overturned Jeep, causing it to catch fire. The available report did not explain how much time passed between the initial guardrail collision and the subsequent impact.
Emergency personnel responded to the scene and transported Ramirez to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore. Despite efforts to provide medical care, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The driver of the Subaru also sustained injuries and was transported to South Shore University Hospital. Police described those injuries as minor, although additional information about the driver’s condition was not released.
The collision prompted the closure of portions of the eastbound Long Island Expressway for several hours while emergency responders worked at the scene and investigators examined the vehicles.
Both the Jeep and Subaru were impounded by police for safety inspections. These examinations may help investigators determine whether vehicle-related factors contributed to the collision.
Authorities have not explained why Ramirez’s Jeep initially struck the guardrail or whether roadway conditions, vehicle problems, or other circumstances played a role.
Police also have not released findings regarding the Subaru driver’s actions before the second impact. No information about possible traffic citations or criminal charges was included in the initial report.
Following Ramirez’s death, Sergeants Benevolent Association President Vincent J. Vallelong shared a message recognizing his service and expressing condolences to his family.
According to Vallelong, Ramirez served with the NYPD for 11 years and was respected by his colleagues. He was assigned to the department’s 5th Precinct and is survived by his wife and two young children.
The Suffolk County Police Department continues investigating the fatal collision.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Highway Car Accident Today
Highway accidents involving overturned vehicles can result in serious injuries, particularly when another vehicle strikes the disabled vehicle before emergency personnel arrive. These secondary collisions may create additional dangers, including vehicle fires and further injuries to occupants.
Under New York car accident laws, drivers must exercise reasonable care and maintain control of their vehicles. When a collision involves a guardrail impact followed by a second crash, determining responsibility may require examining both incidents separately.
Investigators may consider why the first vehicle left its travel lane, whether it experienced a mechanical problem, and whether the second driver had sufficient time and distance to avoid the overturned vehicle.
A secondary collision does not automatically establish that the approaching driver was negligent. Factors such as visibility, roadway lighting, vehicle position, traffic conditions, and the time available to react may influence the determination of responsibility.
New York follows a pure comparative negligence system. An injured person may recover damages even when partially responsible for an accident, although compensation is generally reduced according to that person’s percentage of fault.
New York also requires no-fault automobile insurance coverage for qualifying motor vehicle injuries. Personal injury protection benefits may cover certain medical expenses and lost earnings regardless of fault, subject to applicable policy terms and legal requirements.
When a collision causes a fatality, eligible family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim if another party’s negligence contributed to the death. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include qualifying funeral expenses, lost financial support, and other economic losses recognized under New York law.
New York generally provides two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit, although exceptions and additional requirements may apply. Readers can review our frequently asked questions in New York for additional information about insurance claims, accident investigations, and legal deadlines.
Evidence may be especially important when an accident involves multiple impacts. Investigators may review vehicle inspection findings, photographs, witness statements, available surveillance footage, and physical evidence from the roadway.
Families affected by fatal accidents may also need help obtaining official records, addressing insurance matters, and locating available support services. Our guide to resources for accident victims and families in New York provides additional information about these concerns.
In the November 11 Brentwood collision, authorities confirmed that Ramirez’s Jeep struck a guardrail and overturned before being hit by a Subaru. However, investigators have not released findings establishing why the initial collision occurred or whether negligence contributed to either impact.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article reflects preliminary information released by Suffolk County police concerning the November 11 fatal collision on the Long Island Expressway near Exit 55 in Brentwood.
- NYPD Sergeant Javier Ramirez died Wednesday morning, November 11, following a two-vehicle collision on eastbound Interstate 495 near Exit 55 in Brentwood, Suffolk County.
- Police reported that the accident occurred at approximately 2:55 a.m. when Ramirez’s Jeep struck a guardrail along the right shoulder and overturned.
- A Subaru subsequently struck the overturned Jeep, causing it to catch fire. Authorities have not determined why the Jeep initially struck the guardrail.
- Ramirez was transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, where he was pronounced dead. The Subaru driver was taken to the same hospital with minor injuries.
- Portions of the expressway were closed for several hours following the collision. Both vehicles were impounded for safety inspections.
- Ramirez was an 11-year NYPD veteran assigned to the 5th Precinct. He is survived by his wife and two young children.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Information reflects publicly available reports at the time of publication and may change as investigators release additional findings. Readers should consult a qualified attorney regarding their individual circumstances. The publisher assumes no responsibility for decisions made based on this information. Please review our disclaimer for further details.
If your family lost a loved one or suffered serious injuries in a highway collision in Suffolk County or elsewhere in New York, consider speaking with a New York personal injury lawyer to discuss your insurance coverage, legal rights, and whether a personal injury or wrongful death claim may be available.