Hempstead City Councilman Christopher Carini dies unexpectedly

Christopher Carini, a Hempstead City Councilman who represented the city’s Fifth Ward since 2019, has died unexpectedly. He was 49 years old.

“I woke up this morning to very sad news,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, before calling for a moment of silence at an unrelated press conference on Monday. “My friend and former colleague on the Hempstead Town Council – Councilman Chris Carini – has died. We are very saddened by this. He was a young man who distinguished himself with the Port Authority Police Department and has two wonderful children and a wife. Our condolences go out to their families.”

Carini, a Republican, represented parts of Wantagh, Bellmore, Merrick, Freeport and Seaford on the Hempstead Town Council. Carini himself was a resident of Seaford.

Prior to running for office, Carini was a decorated police officer who served for 22 years in various capacities with the New York City Police Department, the Metropolitan Transit Authority Police Department, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department. He was also a trustee of the Port Authority PBA.

“It is with great and deep sadness that I share today the news of the tragic death of our friend, Hempstead City “Councilman Christopher Carini,” Hempstead City Councilman Donald Clavin wrote on Facebook. “Councilman Carini was a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the communities he represented was unwavering. The Town of Hempstead and its residents have suffered a great loss.”

Known as a passionate advocate for his district, Carini oversaw major recreational developments in the Fifth Ward, including the revitalization of Seamans Neck Park in Seaford and extensions to the South Shore Blueway Trail.

“It is difficult for me to put into words the loss of such a good man, father, husband and friend,” said Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), whose constituents overlapped with Carini. “Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Carini was more than just a great public servant. As a member of the police force, he fought to keep our streets safe. As a councilman, he was proud to be a part of every community he represented and to help ensure that the Town of Hempstead remains a beautiful place to raise a family.”

Carini leaves behind his two children Joey and Ava and his wife Danielle.

This is a developing story. Check this page regularly for updates.