MTA officials say a former Long Island High School volleyball coach accused of raping a teenage player was arrested in front of a moving Long Island Railroad train Friday, just hours after the disturbing allegations came to light. He stepped into the building and took his own life.
MTA Police Department Spokesman Michael Cortez said in a statement that Jason Maser, 22, “intentionally” entered the tracks at the Woodbury Road intersection near the Syosset Station around 10:35 p.m. It was announced that he was hit by a train and died.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene and was found to have left a suicide note, Cortez said.
The Syosset resident’s death came while he was facing charges of third-degree rape and criminal sexual conduct. Newsday reported. A former part-time coach at Sacred Heart Girls Academy raped a 15-year-old girl at least twice in his Jeep on February 7 and March 7, according to police and criminal charges.
He was arraigned on Friday morning when news of the disturbing charges against him broke, and was later released on $75,000 bail, Newsday reported.
Macer’s attorney, John Carman, declined to comment to the Post Sunday night.
But he told Newsday over the weekend that Maser’s family is “devastated.”
“While they process what happened, they are worried about the young woman involved,” he said.
Maser previously coached at the B&B Volleyball Club, where the victim also played. CBS2 reported. When the organization became aware of the allegations, the club severed ties with him.
Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead said in a statement after the charges that it also cut off Mr. Maser’s access to its facilities after becoming aware of the alleged crime. According to News 12.
“Sacred Heart Academy is steadfastly committed to the safety and well-being of our students,” the private Catholic school said.
“When Sacred Heart learned of the situation involving Jason Maser, Sacred Heart notified the appropriate authorities and provided the family with all available resources.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or visit the following link: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
