Outside of the classroom, Nathan enjoyed reading, video games, and playing the piano, which he had studied for several years. He was also an enthusiastic member of the school’s robotics club and had recently participated in a district-wide STEM showcase, where he and his classmates presented an environmentally themed project focused on renewable energy.

“He was one of those students who just lit up the room,” said Mrs. Danielle Cohen, one of Nathan’s teachers. “Always polite, always ready to help others. He had a beautiful way of listening, of really hearing what others were saying. He was a gift to his peers and to all of us who were lucky enough to teach him.”

Nathan’s parents, whose names have not been released out of respect for their privacy, are said to be devastated by the loss of their only child. Friends and neighbors have described the family as deeply involved in both the school and the broader community. “They are lovely, kind-hearted people,” said a family friend. “The kind of parents who were always there for every recital, every parent-teacher night. This is every parent’s worst nightmare, and our hearts are shattered for them.”

The Scene of the Tragedy

The fatal collision occurred just after 6:30 p.m., during daylight hours, in an area where children often walk or bike to nearby parks and friends’ houses. According to preliminary reports, Nathan was crossing the street either to or from a friend’s house when the driver of the SUV reportedly failed to see him in time to stop. The street does not have a crosswalk at the exact location where the incident occurred, although there are stop signs nearby.

Police have confirmed that the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with investigators. As of this writing, no charges have been filed, but the Nassau County Vehicular Crimes Unit is conducting a thorough investigation that includes vehicle speed analysis, environmental conditions, and possible surveillance footage from nearby homes.

Neighbors expressed long-standing concerns about the lack of pedestrian safety in the area, especially for children who frequently walk or ride bikes on streets without sidewalks or designated crossings. “This didn’t have to happen,” said Rachel Min, a resident of the neighborhood. “That stretch of road has been dangerous for years. It’s tragic that it takes something like this to wake people up.”

Roslyn School District Responds

The day following Nathan’s death, Roslyn Middle School opened its doors with counselors, psychologists, and grief specialists on hand to support students and staff. In a letter sent to families on Tuesday morning, Superintendent Allison Brown wrote:

“Our hearts are broken as we share the tragic news of the loss of one of our students, Nathan Ha. Nathan was a beloved member of our school community whose absence will be deeply felt by classmates, teachers, and all who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and ask for compassion and privacy during this painful time.”

Grief counseling sessions were held throughout the week, and teachers were given the flexibility to modify their lesson plans to create space for students to process their emotions. A memory wall was set up in the school’s main hallway, where classmates left heartfelt notes, drawings, and photos of their friend.

“I can’t believe he’s gone,” said Aaron, a fellow seventh grader and Nathan’s robotics teammate. “He was so smart and funny. We were building a solar-powered car for the club, and he had all these ideas. It won’t be the same without him.”

Community-Wide Mourning and Tributes

As news of the tragedy spread, messages of condolence and support poured in from all over Long Island and beyond. Local houses of worship, including Temple Sinai of Roslyn, held memorial prayers. The Village of Flower Hill lowered its flags to half-staff, and the Roslyn Board of Education opened a public comment period for ideas on how to permanently honor Nathan’s memory.

A candlelight vigil was held on Wednesday evening, May 21, on the lawn outside Roslyn Middle School. More than 500 people—students, parents, teachers, and local officials—gathered in silence and solidarity. Dozens of Nathan’s classmates wore blue, his favorite color, while others carried candles and flowers.

At the vigil, Rabbi Elana Feldman offered words of comfort and urged the community to transform grief into action. “We may never understand why tragedies like this occur, but we can honor Nathan by becoming advocates for safer streets, better policies, and more compassion.”

A classmate’s parent, Jennifer Lee, organized a GoFundMe campaign to support the Ha family with funeral expenses and to establish a scholarship in Nathan’s name. Within 48 hours, the campaign raised over $80,000, a testament to the love and respect the community holds for the family.

Calls for Change: From Grief to Action

In the wake of Nathan’s death, renewed attention has turned to pedestrian safety in Flower Hill and the surrounding communities of Nassau County. A growing coalition of parents, residents, and advocacy groups is calling for immediate improvements to infrastructure in the area, particularly in school zones and residential neighborhoods.

Proposals include:

• Installation of pedestrian crosswalks at key intersections.
• Speed humps and signage in areas with heavy foot traffic.
• Sidewalk expansion on narrow roads where children walk.
• Increased police presence during peak pedestrian hours.

Local elected officials have pledged to act. “We have heard the cries of this community, and we will not let this tragedy go unanswered,” said Town of North Hempstead Councilmember Veronica Lurvey. “We owe it to Nathan, and to all our children, to ensure that no family ever suffers this kind of loss again.”

Funeral and Remembrance

Nathan’s funeral took place on Thursday, May 22, at Roslyn Heights Funeral Home, followed by a private burial. Hundreds attended, including classmates, teachers, extended family, and neighbors. The service, though somber, was filled with stories of Nathan’s goodness, wit, and promise. His uncle described Nathan as “a boy with a heart too big for this world,” while his best friend shared memories of their inside jokes and shared dreams for the future.

In the weeks to come, the Roslyn school district plans to hold a formal memorial assembly, during which the newly proposed Nathan Ha Memorial Scholarship for STEM Excellence will be announced, supporting students who share Nathan’s passion for science and learning.

An Enduring Legacy

Though Nathan Ha’s life was far too brief, his memory lives on through the love of his family, the sorrow of a community, and the many efforts now underway to ensure his death will not be in vain.

As Flower Hill and Roslyn continue to grieve, they do so together—committed to healing, honoring, and remembering a boy who touched many lives in just twelve short years.

His name will not be forgotten.

If you would like to donate to the Nathan Ha Memorial Fund or join advocacy efforts for pedestrian safety reform in Nassau County, please visit the links shared by Roslyn Middle School and local community boards.

Related