Former South students killed in Thruway crash

A Valley Stream man and his friend were killed in a drunk driving accident on the New York State Thruway last weekend.

Rafaelito DeJesus, 23, was driving his motorcycle northbound on the Thruway near Exit 16 in Orange County when he was struck by another vehicle at 1:10 a.m. on Sunday. He and his passenger, 25-year-old Melissa Rupa, of Mineola, were pronounced dead at the scene.

DeJesus and Rupa both attended Valley Stream South High School, though neither graduated from the school. DeJesus transferred to Harriet Eisman Community School in Long Beach, an alternative high school.

Lori Tintella, assistant principal at South from 2005-09, said DeJesus struggled there, but wanted to be successful and took the initiative to apply to Eisman. “He had a lot of potential,” Tintella said. “From what I heard from others, he really pulled it together.”

Tintella added that she was deeply saddened when she learned of DeJesus’s death and called the circumstances horrific.

“I am beyond sad,” she said. “Every student that comes to South, you feel like they’re your child.”

At one point. DeJesus had been a manager at IHOP.

Rupa attended the William L. Buck School as a child before going to South. She leaves behind her mother Cathy, stepfather Eddie, brother Thomas and sister Renee.

The driver of the other vehicle in the crash was identified as 24-year-old Luis Munoz, of Ossining. According to New York State Police, Munoz fled the scene but was later located. He was charged with felony aggravated vehicle homicide and driving while intoxicated.

Munoz was arraigned and was being held in Orange County jail on $250,000 cash bail or $1 million bond. The investigation is continuing.

Melissa Rupa’s family has set up a website seeking contributions to a memorial fund to help with funeral costs. To contribute, click here.