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Tragic Loss: Officer Espinosa Killed by Drunk Driver

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa, 42, was killed on January 31 when a suspected drunk driver ran a red light in Saint James, Long Island.
The driver, Matthew Smith, 20, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.
Espinosa was pronounced dead at Stony Brook University Hospital.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, and the police union pledged to honor her legacy.

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Story summary

Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa, 42, was killed on January 31 when a suspected drunk driver ran a red light in Saint James, Long Island.
The driver, Matthew Smith, 20, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.
Espinosa was pronounced dead at Stony Brook University Hospital.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, and the police union pledged to honor her legacy.