Relatives mourn NYPD officer killed in fatal car crash in New York

NEW HYDE PARK, NY (PIX11) — It was a somber and emotional gathering Friday as family and friends paid their respects at the wake for NYPD Officer Emilia Rennhack, who died in a tragic car crash a week ago.

According to the police report, a man was driving while drunk and crashed into a nail salon in Deer Park. Rennhack, who was on her day off, and three other passengers died. Nine other people were injured in the accident.

Friends, family and NYPD officers were united in their grief as they reflected on Officer Rennhack’s life at the wake. Laurie Regan is a trained nurse and worked closely with Rennhack during emergency situations, creating a close bond during these critical moments.

“She lit up the room,” Regan said. “She was a beautiful woman. She was very honest and an asset to her department.”

Officer Rennhack has been with the NYPD for six years and worked in the domestic violence unit. Her colleague Linda Holzhauer from the 102nd Precinct knew her as someone many people liked.

“It’s very tragic because I saw her two days before she died,” said Holzhauer. She also described Rennhack as “very friendly, full of energy and always smiling.”

Police Benevolent Association president Patrick Hendry said the accident had left the police union in shock and mourning her death.

“She was just an incredible person and this tragic incident has impacted so many lives, including the lives of this family whose husband is a detective in the same command,” Hendry said. “The loss of his wife is so emotionally draining for him and our family in Blue is grieving right now.”

Mourners keep Rennhack’s memory alive and hope her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her and in the community she devotedly served.

Survivors will have another opportunity to pay their respects to Officer Rennhack at the funeral service. The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. at the New Hyde Park Funeral Home.