On a quiet Friday afternoon, June 28, 2024, in Deer Park, Long Island, New York, a horrific crash at the Hawaii Nail & Spa turned a routine day into chaos.
At 4:42 p.m., a 2020 Chevy Traverse driven by 64-year-old Steven Schwally, sped through the parking lot and crashed through the front of the nail salon, ultimately coming to rest at the back of the building. The crash resulted in four fatalities and nine injuries.
Suffolk County Police identified the victims as the salon’s manager, Jiancai ‘Kenny’ Chen, 37, Yan Xu, 41, Meizi Zhang, 50, all from Queens, and off-duty NYPD officer Emilia Rennhack, 30, of Deer Park. “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Police Officer Emilia Rennhack, whose life was taken far too soon,” stated NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban.
Witnesses recalled the terrifying moments leading up to the crash. Virginia Garcia, whose niece was injured in the incident, shared, “The lady that was sitting next to her died. She was more nervous because when she saw that the other lady died, she was like, God saved her life, basically… She’s lucky that she’s alive, actually.”
Emergency responders, including 150 firefighters and EMS personnel, worked tirelessly to extricate the injured and secure the scene. The injured, ranging from a 12-year-old girl to adults, were rushed to local hospitals, with one person requiring airlifting due to severe injuries.
Dominic Albanese, third assistant chief for the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department, described the scene as “the most horrifying, traumatizing, upsetting thing” he had ever seen. A chaplain was present to offer support to the victims’ families and the first responders.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that Schwally, who is also hospitalized, was intoxicated at the time of the incident. He has been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), with charges expected to be upgraded. Schwally has a prior DWI conviction from 2013.
The Hawaii Nail & Spa, a staple in the community for 15 years, is now boarded up and adorned with flowers, candles, and messages of condolence. “They were gorgeous. I’ve been going here for 15 years. I love them all; they are like family,” said long-time customer Karen McClorey.
A candlelight vigil was held outside the salon on Monday evening, July 1, to honor the victims. As the Deer Park community grapples with this profound loss, they come together in solidarity and support, determined to heal and remember the lives lost.
