The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating a three car fatal accident that occurred Sunday at about 5:35 a.m. on the eastbound side of the Southern State Parkway east of the Bethpage State Parkway.

Off-duty NYPD Officer Kevin Jessup, 25, of Massapequa was operating a Nissan Maxima eastbound when he was struck by a second Nissan being operated by Jonathan Lopez, 20, of 314 Elmore Ave., East Meadow, NY.

Lopez then rear ended a third vehicle being operated by Dawn Smallwood of Melville, NY.

Jessup and his passenger, Crystal Simons, 30, of Valley Stream, NY were transported to NUMC where Jessup was pronounced dead.

Simons was admitted for non-life threatening injuries.

Lopez and Smallwood were treated and released from area hospitals.

Lopez was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Vehicular Manslaughter, Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, 3rd Degree Assault (2 counts) and speeding.

(Source: WABC)