East Patchogue, NY – Christopher Hlavaty, a 22-year-old resident of East Patchogue, tragically died on Monday night, June 10, after his motorcycle was struck by a car near Main Street and Rider Avenue in Patchogue, according to Suffolk County Police. Hlavaty was transported by ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
On Thursday evening, June 13, police announced the arrest of 36-year-old Maria Guallpa-Bonilla of Bellport. She was taken into custody on suspicion of leaving the scene of an incident involving a fatality. Guallpa-Bonilla is expected to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Friday, June 14. Hlavaty was a dedicated volunteer member of the Hagerman Fire Department in East Patchogue. He worked full-time as a driver for Emergency Ambulance Service, based in Bohemia.
At the time of his death, Hlavaty was studying to become an EMT and was set to graduate in August 2024. “He had a bright future which was tragically cut short at the age of 22,” said Eric Daliendo, an employee at Emergency Ambulance Service. Daliendo has started a petition to have the ambulance that Hlavaty used dedicated in his honor. The agency has approved this plan and will hold a dedication ceremony at a later date.
The tragic loss of Christopher Hlavaty has deeply impacted the East Patchogue community and his colleagues at both the Hagerman Fire Department and Emergency Ambulance Service. His commitment to serving others and his aspiration to become an EMT are remembered and honored by those who knew him. The upcoming dedication ceremony will serve as a tribute to Hlavaty’s life and his contributions to the community.
