Heartbreak in Roslyn: Seventh-Grader Nathan Ha, 12, Struck and Killed in Flower Hill

FLOWER HILL, NY (May 20, 2025) — The Roslyn community is in mourning following the heartbreaking and untimely death of 12-year-old Nathan Ha, a beloved seventh-grade student at Roslyn Middle School, who was fatally struck by a vehicle on Monday evening, May 19, in the quiet suburban village of Flower Hill, New York.

The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. on a residential stretch of Port Washington Boulevard near Country Club Drive, an area usually bustling with evening walkers and commuters returning home. According to preliminary reports from the Nassau County Police Department, Nathan was attempting to cross the roadway when he was struck by a northbound vehicle. Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene and transported Nathan to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival due to the severity of his injuries.

Authorities say the driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with investigators. No charges have been filed at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal collision. The identity of the driver has not yet been released to the public.

News of Nathan’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the Roslyn School District, where he was known as a bright, curious, and kind-hearted young student. Roslyn Middle School Principal Dr. Lauren Schwartz issued a heartfelt statement Tuesday morning, expressing deep sorrow and emphasizing the profound impact Nathan had on the school community.

“Nathan was a remarkable student with a gentle spirit and an infectious enthusiasm for learning,” Dr. Schwartz wrote. “He brought joy to his classmates and teachers alike, and his absence will be deeply felt. Our hearts go out to his family during this unimaginable time.”

In response to the tragedy, the school district has mobilized grief counselors and mental health professionals to support students, staff, and families. Extra support services will be available throughout the week, and a candlelight vigil is being organized by classmates and parents in collaboration with local officials and the PTA. The vigil is scheduled to take place Wednesday evening at the Roslyn Middle School soccer field at 7:30 p.m., where students and community members will have the opportunity to gather, remember, and honor Nathan’s life.

Nathan is being remembered not only as a promising student, but also as a devoted son, a caring brother, and a loyal friend. Family members describe him as a thoughtful, intelligent boy who loved science and had dreams of becoming an engineer one day. He was also an avid reader, a piano player, and someone who loved spending time outdoors with his friends and family.

“He was full of life,” said a family friend who asked not to be named. “Nathan had this quiet strength and an incredible sense of compassion for others. This is a loss that will be felt by everyone who knew him.”

The tragedy has also reignited community concerns about pedestrian safety along Port Washington Boulevard, a busy thoroughfare with a history of traffic incidents. Local residents have previously voiced concerns to village officials regarding the lack of adequate crosswalks and the speed of vehicles through the area. In light of Nathan’s death, Mayor Brian Herrington of Flower Hill stated that a full review of traffic and pedestrian safety protocols in the area will be conducted.

“We are devastated by this loss,” Mayor Herrington said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. “No family should have to endure this kind of tragedy. We are committed to working with local law enforcement, transportation officials, and the community to ensure this never happens again.”

Nathan’s family has requested privacy as they grieve, but they have expressed appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of support from neighbors, teachers, and classmates. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by friends of the family to help cover funeral expenses and support the Ha family during this difficult time. As of Tuesday evening, the campaign had already raised several thousand dollars, with hundreds of messages of condolences and love pouring in.

“Nathan was taken from us far too soon,” the campaign page reads. “Let’s come together to help his family find comfort and strength in the days ahead.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced. The community is expected to continue rallying around the Ha family with meals, donations, and emotional support as they face the devastating loss of their son.

Nathan Ha’s passing marks a tragic and sobering moment for the Roslyn and Flower Hill communities—a reminder of the fragility of life and the profound bond that ties neighbors, classmates, and families together in both joy and sorrow.

Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Nassau County Police Department’s Third Squad at (516) 573-6353.