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Long Beach High teen killed after car, skateboard collision

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A collision between a car and skateboarder in Hicksville has claimed the life of a Long Beach High School hockey player.

Nassau County police have yet to identify the teen, but the Islanders Nassau County High School Hockey League identified him as Gerrin Hagen, 18.

Police say Hagen was riding his skateboard on Cantiague Lane near Robbins Lane last Thursday afternoon, when he was hit by a 2012 Honda Pilot driven by a 19-year-old. Hagen was rushed to a hospital where he was initially listed in critical condition, but was pronounced dead the next day.

A candlelight vigil was held outside the Emile Francis Memorial Ice Arena at the City of Long Beach Saturday, with an outpouring of support from the community, friends and family of Hagen. Park Commissioner Joe Brand held up two fingers while at a podium in front of the crowd, symbolizing Hagen's jersey number.

The New York Rangers held a moment of silence to honor Hagen before their game against the Montreal Canadians Sunday. 

"I offer my sincere condolences and sympathies to the Hagen family and to all of Gerrin's friends," said Long Beach schools superintendent Jennifer Gallagher in a letter to parents. "As many in our community know, Gerrin was a wonderful student, a talented athlete, and a friend to so many. His loss is a tremendous one for our school community."

The school district has activated its crisis response plan, Gallagher said, with counselors on-hand Friday afternoon to speak to any students, and will remain through the coming weeks, as needed.

The district also is offering drop-in centers Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m.  to 1 p.m., at both Long Beach High School and at Lindell School. 

"If you think your child would benefit from talking to someone about this loss over the weekend — or just being together with friends — please feel free to come," Gallagher said. "Of course, if you believe your child needs immediate assistance or is in severe crisis at any point, the Long Island Crisis Center is a good resource."

That hotline is available at (516) 679-1111.

 Additional reporting by Michael Hinman.