A man was fatally struck by a motorist while attempting to cross Veterans Highway on Thursday night.
Suffolk County police responded to a call at 9:55 p.m. reporting a potentially fatal accident near the intersection of Veterans Highway and Route 111.
Police said Thomas Martin, 59, of Deer Park, was driving westbound on Veterans Highway in a 2003 Chevrolet van when the vehicle struck Ronald Gatto, who was attempting to cross the roadway near the bleachers of Hauppauge High School's football stadium.
Gatto, 68, of Central Islip, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Police closed down Veterans Highway from Lincoln Boulevard to Route 111 for several hours to conduct a crime scene investigation.
Guests of the were unable to reach their hotel, forced to park in front of Mama Sbarro's or in the Woodlands Office Complex and walk to their hotel.
Police have impounded the van for a safety check and an investigation is continuing.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident or additional information to call the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8462 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
Stay tuned to Patch for more on this developing story as additional information becomes available. Follow us on Twitter @HauppaugePatch or Facebook to be alerted as updates are posted and other breaking news.
