Motorist who died in North Babylon crash identified

The motorist who died in a fiery crash in North Babylon during Thursday's storm has been identified as a Smithtown woman, State Police said Friday.

Colette Epple, 25, was driving west on the Southern State Parkway near Exit 39/Route 231 when she veered off the icy road and struck a tree at about 7:19 p.m., police said.

Her 2002 Buick Century burst into flames, police said.

The crash is under investigation, but police said it appears Epple was driving faster than conditions allowed. No other injuries were reported.