Elderly Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck on Montauk Highway

On the evening of January 6, 2026, Kenneth Cook, 77, was struck and killed while crossing Montauk Highway between South Wellwood and Washington Avenues in Lindenhurst. The collision occurred at about 7:39 p.m., and police say two vehicles struck Cook as he attempted to cross the roadway.

Suffolk County Police First Squad detectives responded and have opened an active investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Officers are conducting inquiries at the scene, and motor vehicle evidence collection and witness interviews were underway following the collision. Police have asked anyone with information to contact First Squad detectives to assist with the probe.

The fatality underscores longstanding safety pressures on Montauk Highway, a major east-west thoroughfare that carries both local and through traffic and presents hazards for pedestrians during evening hours. The location between South Wellwood and Washington Avenues is a mixed residential and commercial stretch where foot traffic and vehicle speeds often converge. For older residents and others who rely on walking to access local services, the risks of nighttime crossings on wide, busy roads are acute.

Local leaders and transportation planners often face choices about where to prioritize pedestrian infrastructure investments, such as improved crosswalks, pedestrian signals, lighting and traffic-calming measures. While the investigation into last Tuesday’s collision is focused on determining the immediate causes and sequence of events, the outcome has potential policy implications for how the county and village address crossings and enforcement on Montauk Highway to prevent future tragedies.

Community members who witnessed the crash or who have video or other information that might help investigators are asked to come forward. Prompt cooperation with detectives can be critical to reconstructing collisions and determining whether roadway conditions, sight lines, lighting, vehicle speeds or driver behavior contributed to the outcome.

As the Suffolk County Police continue their inquiries, the Lindenhurst community is left to process the loss and consider longer-term steps to protect vulnerable pedestrians. Residents with information should contact Suffolk County Police First Squad detectives to assist with the ongoing investigation.