Cops: Driver in fatal Melville crash may have had medical episode

The driver killed in a one-car accident Tuesday night in Melville may have suffered a medical emergency before crashing into a guardrail, Suffolk County police said.

Police on Wednesday identified the victim as Eric Schneider, 50, of Plainview, saying Schneider was driving a 2016 Nissan Maxima westbound on Old Country Road near Old East Neck Road when he lost control, crossing the median before crashing into the guardrail, at 7:05 p.m. He was transported to Plainview Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Suffolk Second Squad detectives are investigating the cause of the accident, but said they believe Schneider may have experienced a medical emergency prior to the crash.

The Nissan was impounded for a safety check.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”