Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian in Melville.
On October 2, Gerard McDonald was driving a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe northbound on Walt Whitman Road when the vehicle struck a pedestrian heading eastbound in the crosswalk on Walt Whitman Road at Fletcher Place, at approximately 7:30 p.m.
The pedestrian, Michael Chiapperini, 72, of Melville, was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, where he was pronounced dead. McDonald, 74, and his wife, Gail, 66 — who was the front seat passenger — both of Melville, were not injured. Detectives believe the driver had the right-of-way, according to people at the scene.
The Chevrolet was impounded for a safety check. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the incident to call the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.