Netflix reality television star Sara Burack, known for her appearance on “Million Dollar Beach House,” died Thursday following a hit-and-run collision in Hampton Bays, New York. She was 40 years old.
Burack was discovered unconscious on Montauk Highway near Villa Paul Restaurant around 2:30 AM on June 19, according to family and law enforcement sources. Emergency responders received a 911 call at 2:45 AM alerting them to an unconscious woman on the roadway.
The real estate professional was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital with severe head injuries and multiple broken bones. She experienced cardiac arrest at the scene but was revived by emergency personnel. Medical staff placed Burack on life support, but doctors determined there was no brain activity. She was removed from life support and pronounced dead at 3:00 PM on June 19.
The driver responsible for the collision fled the scene immediately after impact. Southampton Town Police have launched an investigation into the incident, working alongside the New York State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit. Authorities have not released descriptions of the suspect or vehicle involved, and no arrests have been made.
Evidence at the crash site indicates the driver was aware of Burack’s presence before the collision occurred. Investigators found tire brake marks at the location, suggesting the vehicle operator saw her prior to impact. Police are currently seeking witnesses and have requested anyone with information to contact the Southampton Town Police Department.
A significant development emerged Saturday when authorities arrested Amanda Kempton in connection with Burack’s death. Kempton faces charges of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in a fatality, which carries a potential seven-year prison sentence. She entered a not guilty plea during her arraignment at Southampton Town Justice Court and was released after her family posted $100,000 bail.
Burack gained recognition through her participation in Netflix’s “Million Dollar Beach House,” which premiered in 2020. The reality series followed luxury real estate agents from Nest Seekers International as they marketed high-end properties throughout the Hamptons region. The show provided viewers with an inside look at the exclusive summer lifestyle and multimillion-dollar estate market.
As a licensed real estate broker, Burack specialized in second homes and investment properties for affluent clients seeking Hamptons retreats. She worked with Nest Seekers International from 2012 until leaving the company over a year ago, though she maintained contact with former colleagues. Her expertise extended beyond traditional real estate sales, as she also held a yacht broker license to serve luxury clients seeking maritime properties.
Burack’s career path originated from her family’s commercial construction and material sales business, where she worked for several years before transitioning to luxury real estate. Her background in construction provided valuable insight into property development and renovation projects. She spent 11 years in the Hamptons market, initially working as a summer property manager before obtaining her broker’s license.
The real estate professional divided her time between New York City and the Hamptons, catering to clients seeking escape from urban environments. Many of her customers were Manhattan residents looking for properties with expanded outdoor space and recreational amenities. Her business expanded to include Miami properties following the conclusion of “Million Dollar Beach House.”
Burack maintained an active presence in charitable organizations and community involvement throughout her career. Friends and colleagues described her as having compassion for both people and animals, supporting various philanthropic causes in her personal time.
Her educational background included studies at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania, where she completed her degree in three years. She participated in study abroad programs in London twice during her academic career, contributing to her international perspective on business and real estate markets.
Geoff Gifkins, Hamptons regional manager for Nest Seekers, confirmed that Burack had remained in contact with the team following her departure from the company. “Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends,” he noted, emphasizing the significant impact of her loss on those who knew her personally and professionally.
Paulette Corsair, a family friend and fellow real estate agent, had seen Burack just hours before the fatal collision occurred. She described Burack as a dedicated professional who consistently prioritized helping others in both her business and personal relationships.
Burack is survived by her parents, sister, and brother-in-law. The investigation into her death remains ongoing as authorities continue searching for additional information about the circumstances surrounding the collision.
