Steven Schwally, of Dix Hills, was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated after he crashed his SUV into Hawaii Nail & Spa, resulting in the tragic death of four people, including an NYPD officer, Emilia Rennhack. Nine other individuals were injured in the incident.
A Tragic Day at Hawaii Nail & Spa
The nail salon was open and conducting business when Schwally’s vehicle crashed through its front window just before 5 pm. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic with several individuals trapped inside until rescue workers quickly arrived to assist.
The four victims who lost their lives were Emilia Rennhack, 30; Jiancai Chen, 37; Yan Xu, 41; and Meizi Zhang, 50. Nine others were transported to the hospital with injuries that ranged from minor to serious but non-life-threatening.
NYPD Officer Among the Victims
The New York Police Department has stated that Rennhack had been stationed at a precinct in Queens since 2018. “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Police Officer Emilia Rennhack, whose life was taken far too soon,”
wrote Police Commissioner Edward Caban on X.
The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) of the City of New York also expressed their condolences: “Our hearts are breaking,”
they wrote on X. Please join us in praying for her family, friends and coworkers. Funeral arrangements to follow.
Details of the Incident
Suffolk County Police announced that evidence showed Schwally was driving while intoxicated. Initially believed to have suffered a medical event, he was only partially conscious upon arrival at the hospital. His charges will include driving while intoxicated once he is released from medical care.
A Community in Mourning
The community has been deeply affected by this tragedy. Valerie Fisher, another resident who had just visited the salon a day prior, regarded the fragility of life in emotional terms: “My heart dropped because life is so fragile. Life is so, so fragile,”
she said to reporters.
Among those injured were Wen Jun Cheng (35), Ana Garcia (53), Nicole Miele (54), Michael Mehale (58), an unidentified 12-year-old girl, Carol Garcia (23), Toni Saccente (32), Krystal Rodriguez (37), and Nicole Saccente (55).
A Father’s Grief
Carl Rennhack wept in court during proceedings involving Steven Schwally. This accident has resonated deeply across various social media platforms with community members sharing condolences and recollections about those who perished.
Follow Us
