Francine Schenkel of Ridge, 87, killed after Rocky Point crash
Police investigate the scene after a driver crashed into a tree in Rocky Point on Wednesday, July 2, 2014. Credit: James Carbone
An 87-year-old woman died after suddenly driving off the road and crashing into a tree in a wooded area of Rocky Point Wednesday afternoon, Suffolk police said.
Francine Schenkel of Ridge was driving north on County Road 21, which is Rocky Point-Yaphank Road, when her 1997 Toyota crossed into the southbound lane, just south of Route 25A near Rocky Point High School, police said. It happened about 2:45 p.m., police said.
Witnesses did not notice anything that could have caused her to crash, said Det. Sgt. William Bundrick of the Seventh Precinct.
"She apparently left the roadway on her own," he said. "No one drove her off the road or cut her off or anything.
"We don't know if it was a medical emergency."
Police said the vehicle was impounded for a safety check as the investigation continues.
