The incident happened at around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, west of the Wyandanch station, near the intersection of Long Island Avenue and Straight Path.

On Thursday, May 25, the victim was identified as 30-year-old Demetrius Houanche, of Deer Park, an MTA spokesperson told Daily Voice.

Houanche had been on the tracks illegally and was struck by an eastbound train, the spokesperson said.

The incident halted service on the Ronkonkoma Branch east of Farmingdale for nearly an hour and a half while emergency crews investigated.

Houanche was a standout football player at Deer Park High School, where he earned All-League, All-Division, and All-Conference honors.

After graduation, he attended the New York Institute of Technology before transferring to Alfred University in Allegany County, where he continued playing as tailback, according to his player profile.

Houanche’s death was also confirmed by his cousin, Juan Luc Houanche, who has since created a GoFundMe campaign to help the family with funeral expenses.

As of Thursday afternoon, the campaign had raised over $1,000 of its $10,000 goal. Those who wish to support the GoFundMe can do so here. 

Click here to follow Daily Voice Suffolk and receive free news updates.

ncG1vNJzZmickZ65usLOopqeZpOkunC6xLBksqeioHy0wcWfpqWjX6jBorrDqKytZZakvLWuwKWjZqiclsamvoyfqailXZmypr6MqZiro12esaV5wKxkppmeYsC1vtScomajmaG5prCMm7BmrKKWtq95zZ6Yq2Wcnr%2Bzew%3D%3D