A patch of ice on Bayville Road is being blamed for a horrific auto accident early Tuesday morning, Feb. 10, which has deeply impacted the Glen Cove community.

According to Det. Thomas Haley of Nassau County Second Squad and Commanding Officer Det. Lt. Steven Skrynecki, Labrettis Ashby was driving north on Bayville Road at 6:45 a.m., heading for work at the Hendrickson Bus Company. In the back seat were her children Rashaad Savage, 7, and Nyla Ashby, 5. Ms. Ashby, longtime resident of Glen Cove, apparently lost control of her Chevrolet Malibu when she reached the icy section of the roadway, skidded across the double yellow line and collided with an Isuzu Trooper.

Following the accident, Ms. Ashby and Rashaad were taken to North Shore University Hospital at Glen Cove, where, tragically, Rashaad was pronounced dead. Ms. Ashby was listed in stable condition. Nyla was taken to Nassau University Medical Center where she too was listed in stable condition. The driver of the Isuzu, Edward Heintz, was also taken to NSUH at Glen Cove and treated and released.

The tragedy strikes a very deep and sorrowful chord in Glen Cove. Ms. Ashby grew up and attended Glen Cove schools and her large extended family has been well known in the city for many, many years. Rashaad was a second grade student at Deasy School and Nyla attends kindergarten there. Mr. Heintz is a 30-year employee of the Glen Cove Postal Service.

Deasy School was devastated by the news of Rashaad's death. Speaking for the district, Glen Cove Superintendent Mary Ellen Freeley said, " He was a wonderful second-grader, just a fun-loving boy. He's a child whom everyone will miss." District psychologists, social workers and nurses will be available to help students, staff and parents cope with the tragedy. Dr Freeley added, "School officials decided it was best for parents to break the news of the boy's death to their children, and sent home letters explaining the incident and offering suggestions about how to discuss death with young children. We feel they need to be in a safe, nurturing and loving environment."

The community extends its deepest condolences to the family of Rashaad Savage and friends and neighbors will no doubt gather to do their part in helping the family through this tragedy.