ISLIP, NY — New York State Police responded to the Robert Moses Causeway southbound in the area of exit RM2 on June 25, 2026, at approximately 1:38 p.m. for a report of an unconscious male on the shoulder.
Upon arrival, troopers located the unconscious male, later identified as Yusuf Gul, 27, of Bayshore, who was visibly deceased and appeared to have been struck by a vehicle.
Further investigation by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation determined that Stephen M. Aylward, 63, of West Islip, was operating a 2012 Jeep when he struck Gul on the shoulder of the roadway.
Aylward was arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired, combined influence of drugs or alcohol and drugs, an unclassified misdemeanor.
Aylward was scheduled to be arraigned on the morning of June 26, 2026.
The investigation remains ongoing.
