Friends, Family Mourn Young Man Struck Down in Wading River

Written by Lisa Finn

One day after a tragic Wading River accident took the life of a 20-year-old Rocky Point man, his broken-hearted family and friends shared memories of his life, cut short too soon.

According to Suffolk County police, the accident occurred on Route 25A, just west of Randall Road, at 3:18 a.m. Sunday morning. Police said Nicholas Pieloch, 20, of Rocky Point, was walking in the roadway when a 2001 Ford Explorer, driven by Jesse Feinberg, 21, of Shoreham, struck him. Both the sport utility vehicle and the pedestrian were headed west.

"My brother was one of the most kind-hearted, outgoing, genuine people I knew," said Lexi Pieloch in a message to Patch. "He was the life of any party. He would make friends with anyone he came across. He never failed to put a smile on anyone's face. Cracking all the hilarious jokes he could. There was never a dull moment with him, either. He was always finding something crazy and fun to do."

Reflecting on her brother, Pieloch added, "He had a huge heart. He loved his family and friends and would never let anything bad happen to them. He had a passion for living and doing things to the fullest. There was nothing he was afraid of. He has impacted so many lives in such unique ways. I can't really sum up how amazing my brother was because there are no words."

Her brother, Lexi said, graduated from Rocky Point High School in 2011 and had dreams of college and possibly joining the United States Air Force. Currently, he was working full-time with his uncle, in the moving business. "They were like brothers. He loved working with him," she said.

"He was an amazing soul, always full of life," said friend Amanda Nienburg. "We just haven't got to see each other since he moved to Rocky Point. We lost connection for a bit, but recently reunited, by phone. He always had people laughing. Whatever mood you were in, you were just bound to laugh or smile with him around. I'm very grateful for the time I got to spend with him here. He's just gone too soon."

The community was rocked by the news of the tragedy. "It's terrible, what happened," said Emily Kujawa. "My thoughts are with his family."

After striking Pieloch, the Ford Explorer veered into the eastbound lane and went off the roadway, where it struck a tree and flipped, police said. Feinberg was not injured, police added.

No charges were filed, police said. The accident remains under investigation. The vehicle was impounded for a safety check.

Riverhead police were asked to assist and close down the roadway, which was shut down for approximately four hours.