Brothers, 2 of 5 Killed in Crash, Laid To Rest: 'Love Is Eternal'

LONG ISLAND, NY — In death, as in life, they were side by side: Their caskets were placed together at the front of the church as hundreds of mourners flocked to the funeral in Port Washington on Friday for two brothers killed in a head-on crash in Quogue Saturday night that left five dead.

Weeping, holding each other's hand, their arms wrapped around each other for support, mourners – dozens of young people, their faces streaked with tears – gathered in the morning sunshine to say goodbye to two young men who lost their lives, so bright with promise, in the dark of night on a Hamptons street.

James Farrell, 25, and Michael Farrell, 20, died along with their lifelong friend Ryan Kiess, 25. They all grew up in Manhasset. Uber driver Farhan Zahid, 32, and Justin Mendez, 22, of Brookhaven, also died. Kiess' girlfriend of six years, Brianna Maglio, 22, was the only survivor. he remains in critical condition but is reportedly showing signs of improvement.

According to Fairchild Sons, Inc. Funeral Chapel: “James Patrick Farrell, Jr. and Michael O'Brien Farrell have fallen asleep in the Lord.”

They are survived by their parents, Jim and Ellen Farrell, and Steven, their brother, and their loving grandmother, Katina Athenaiou, their “grandma,” who always guided their religious instruction, church leaders said.

The flowers surrounding the two coffins were summer flowers, sunflowers, hydrangeas, bursts of bright roses. Photos of the Farrell brothers at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church depicted young men laughing, surrounded by family and friends, excelling in sports including lacrosse and music. Earlier photos showed babies, so loved, doing the normal things that define a life — visiting Hershey Park, frolicking on the beach, playing in piles of fall leaves, making memories. At the front of the church, near their coffins, helmets and other sports memorabilia stood testament to the young lives cut short.

The readings at the service began with a verse from the Corinthians, focusing on love. “Love is eternal.”

Letters were read from the many friends, heartbroken, who shared memories of the brothers. Of Michael, one said: “You were always so happy. You always had a smile on your face.”

Another added: “You are my best friend — my first friend in Manhasset — and always will be.”

Other friends recalled going to Sunday School with the brothers and bonding over the fact that they were all Greek.

“Mike was the life of the party wherever he went,” wrote another.

All spoke of the impact the brothers had on Manhasset, their friends, family members and the entire community.

Of James, a friend wrote: “The captain of the Manhasset … our handsome Greek god.”

“You were the only reason I stayed on the field,” one friend wrote. Others remembered the nicknames he gave them and his love of Italian food, jokes and sayings, including pasta fagioli. “You were everyone's best friend, including me.”

“You were an angel here on earth — and you didn't deserve this,” said another.

The religious leaders from their church remembered the boys from Sunday school, reflecting on the children and then the young men who, even when they had differences, always ended up united — together.

The boys grew up in the church, attended catechism school and served as altar boys, Father Ioannis Lardas said. The entire church community stands by the brothers' devastated family, he said. He spoke of a Greek expression that resonates: “Eternal be their memories.”

Their brother Stefanos also spoke, his voice breaking from crying: “They were my best friends,” he said. “Growing up, we did everything together.”

From playing lacrosse and soccer in the backyard in their early years and learning how to play golf together in their later years, his siblings, Stephen said, “started and ended each day with a smile on their faces.”

Steven said he was grateful that he and his siblings had spent so much time together over the past year and a half, time he said he will cherish forever. “James, Michael, this isn't a goodbye so much as a 'See you later.' I love you.”

Students from the Manhasset school choir also sang at the services. Port Washington police provided a 13 motorcycle escort for the funeral procession at Nassau Knolls Cemetery.

The siblings' parents, Jim and Ellen Farrell, will establish scholarships in James and Michael's memory. Those wishing to donate can check out at the Church of the Archangel Michael. In the memo, write “Farrell Scholarship Fund.”

According to Kiess, no services have yet been set for his son Ryan. “Right now, our focus is on Bree's health and well-being.”

Farhan Zahid, the Uber driver, leaves behind a wife, Hifsa Ahmad, and three young children.

She set up a GoFundMe page, 'Help Farhan Zahid (Uber Driver) Family', which said of her husband's death: 'I am at a huge loss on how to explain to my children that their beloved father is no longer with him . The children have been asking since Sunday morning when their father arrives, “Why is he still at work? Why isn't he coming?” They don't really understand what's going on since they're so young.”

To donate, click here.

Village of Quogue police on Tuesday released more information about a crash Saturday night that left five men dead and a woman in critical condition.

Investigators believe Mendez's speeding may have been a factor in the crash. said the police. Marijuana was found in his vehicle and unconfirmed witness reports indicated that Mendez may have turned off his headlights after police began following him, authorities said.

Traumatized families left behind after five people died in a head-on crash are crying out for safety improvements on the road where their loved ones lost their lives.

On Monday night, about 100 grieving friends and relatives gathered at his home to mourn his son and the Farrell brothers who died, Kiess said. “They're devastated. These are young adults who shouldn't have to go through this. They've lost their friend, it's terrible.”

The youths called an Uber to be safe, Kiess said. “They did the right thing.”

His son and his friends, Kiess said, “were all good guys.” His son was an accountant at KPMG and had just been promoted. “They were all early in their careers, it was limitless — they had their whole lives ahead of them.”

Through tears, Kiess said: “Our hearts are broken forever. Our lives will never be the same.”

With reporting by Alessia Grunberger.