Bicyclist killed was father of three

The grandfather of a bicyclist who died after being struck by two sport utility vehicles Thursday night in East Patchogue called his eldest grandson a good father -- and implored the driver of the second vehicle, which left the scene, to come forward.

Essex Williams said Eric Dennis, 22, of East Patchogue, was married and had three children -- two boys and a girl.

"He was a good father, a very good father," Williams told Newsday on Friday. "It's a great tragedy to our family and it'll take me a while to realize what a disaster this is . . . I'm confident that with God's grace we'll make it. But I hope that the driver of the vehicle that didn't stop will realize that this wasn't a possum or a raccoon or a dog. This was a human life. I hope they come to that realization -- and turn themselves in to police."

Suffolk County police said Dennis was crossing South Country Road from north to south when he was struck by a westbound 2000 Jeep driven by Deborah Lamm, 56, of Patchogue, police said. Lamm stopped.

Police said Dennis ended up in the eastbound lane of South Country Road and then was struck by a second vehicle that didn't stop.

Police are searching for that vehicle, described as a light-colored SUV that was last seen going east on South Country.

The accident occurred about 9:30 p.m.

Dennis was airlifted to Stony Brook University Medical Center, but police said he died of his injuries Friday morning.

"Right now, it's nerve-racking," Williams said.

He said Dennis was his daughter's son and left behind two brothers and one sister.

"I'm trying to be the strong one," Williams said. "But he was my oldest grandson and it's hitting me a little deeper."

Williams said he believes Dennis borrowed the bike from a friend.

"He was a very nice, likable person," Williams said, noting Dennis often helped older neighbors with yard work.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the accident to call the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8552 or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS.

All calls will remain confidential, police said.

"We're all confused and upset," Williams said. "The main thing is that he's gone. . . . But you just hope that maybe, just maybe, somewhere down the line that driver who left will realize what he's done."