Scott Martella, Communications Director For Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Died In Sunday Morning LIE Crash

Manorville – Scott Martella, 29, who was the Communications Director for Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has been identified as one of the victims killed in this morning’s fatal accident on the Long Island Expressway (LIE).  

Mr. Martella of Northport, and his fiance’ Shelbi Thurau also of Northport, were driving westbound on the LIE when their car was struck by a vehicle that had gone airborne after crossing the median from the eastbound lanes.

Mr. Martella was pronounced dead at the scene.  Ms. Thurau was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  

Late Sunday afternoon, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone issued the following statement:

“Every accident of this nature is a terrible tragedy. One loss of life is deeply personal to me and to those of us who work in Suffolk County Government, Scott Martella.

Scott dedicated his all too brief life to public service and to helping others. He is known across Long Island as a leader and a great man.  The hundreds of people Scott has worked with over the years and the thousands of people whose lives he has positively impacted would describe him as nothing short of an amazing person.

I asked Scott to join my team because I admired his intelligence, his wisdom and love of community and people. I will miss Scott’s smile, his advice, his laugh, his sense of humor, his dedication and his drive.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those who lost their lives and suffered injuries in this horrible accident as well as their families.  I extend my deepest sympathies, prayers and support to Scott’s family and ask that their privacy be respected at this unimaginably difficult time.”