A community still reeling from the tragic death of Michelle Thompson, hit by a car Dec. 19 while walking across Rockaway Avenue, now finds itself mourning for another Garden City High School student, 15-year-old Alison Reilly, killed in a car accident on Nassau Blvd. Dec. 23.

A Nassau Blvd. resident ran out of his house when he heard what sounded like "rolling thunder" and "tree bark breaking." According to the Nassau County Homicide Squad, an 18-year-old Mineola male was operating a 1998 Ford Explorer northbound when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree before rolling over.

The accident ejected two rear passengers, Reilly and 17-year-old Christine Caroleo, also of Garden City. Caroleo was transported to Winthrop-University Hospital where she remains in critical condition.

Police reports further stated that the operator and two other female passengers were taken to North Shore Hospital where they were treated and released. The cause of the accident has not been determined and the investigation is continuing.

Garden City police are attempting to locate witnesses. In particular, detectives would like to speak with the operator of a green mini van who may have been at that location and witnessed the crash. Witnesses state that the mini van was attempting to make a left turn onto Somerset Avenue when the accident occurred.

Those with information that could assist in this investigation are urged to call Garden City detectives at 465-4108 or the Nassau County Police Homicide Squad at 573-7788.

Once again Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen Leitman, the Garden City Board of Education and the entire school community express their deepest sympathies. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Alison's family and friends as they mourn her passing," the statement said.

A funeral Mass was held at St. Joseph's Church on Franklin Avenue Monday, Dec. 29 with interment following at Holy Rood Cemetery.

Those who knew Reilly held a candle lighting vigil at the crash site near a tree now adorned with Christmas wreaths, flowers and pictures on Dec. 29 - the day Reilly would have celebrated her 16th birthday.