Kenneth Cook dies in pedestrian accident on Montauk Highway

Driver struck pedestrian near South Wellwood and Washington avenues

January 05, 2026 | Lindenhurst, NY

A 77-year-old pedestrian lost his life after being struck by two vehicles traveling in opposite directions on Montauk Highway.

Kenneth Cook, 77, of Lindenhurst, was killed after an eastbound BMW X5 and a westbound Ford Explorer struck him on Montauk Highway near South Wellwood and Washington avenues in Lindenhurst.

The incident unfolded around 7:39 p.m. on Jan. 5 near the intersection of South Wellwood and Washington avenues. Kenneth Cook, a Lindenhurst resident, was crossing the highway from south to north when he was first hit by an eastbound 2021 BMW X5, followed moments later by a westbound 2014 Ford Explorer. He was rushed to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Both drivers—a 73-year-old man operating the BMW and a 20-year-old woman driving the Ford—remained at the scene. Suffolk County Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

What Happened in the Crash?

• Date and Time: Jan. 5, approximately 7:39 p.m.
• Location: Montauk Highway near South Wellwood and Washington avenues, Lindenhurst, NY.
• Victim: Kenneth Cook, 77, of Lindenhurst.
• Vehicles Involved: 2021 BMW X5, eastbound, and 2014 Ford Explorer, westbound.
• Outcome: Cook was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip.
• Drivers: 73-year-old male, BMW, and 20-year-old female, Ford, both stayed on scene.
• Agency: Suffolk County Police Department.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?

Pedestrian fatalities continue to rise across the U.S., often due to factors like reduced visibility at dusk, high-speed roads, and driver inattention. In New York, these incidents highlight the need for enhanced safety measures at busy intersections.

According to the Albany-based Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, 308 pedestrians were killed by motor vehicles in New York in 2024, with 63 occurring on Long Island—26 in Nassau County and 37 in Suffolk County.

Data sourced from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research.

The Federal Highway Administration notes that proper road design, including better lighting and crosswalks, can significantly reduce such risks.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian collision cases to uncover contributing factors and support affected families.

“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal.

Bond stressed that road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting must be examined closely in cases such as this.

“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.

Formica added that families may pursue wrongful death claims to seek compensation for loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress.

• Key Takeaways:

  • Independent investigations by experienced attorneys can protect family rights and identify liable parties.
  • Insurance companies may push for low settlements, and legal representation ensures fair compensation.
  • Pedestrians generally have the right of way, but all factors like visibility and road design play a role.
  • Wrongful death claims help cover comprehensive damages beyond medical expenses.

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