LI Woman's Death Sparks Call For More Transportation At Colleges

SAYVILLE, NY — A Sayville mother is calling for more public transportation or safe ride programs at college campuses after her daughter died in a car crash over last year.

Madison Mergl, a 2019 Sayville High School grad and lacrosse player, was away at college at the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina in early March preparing to head home for spring break.

The 18-year-old was at a gathering with other lacrosse teams to say goodbye before they went their separate ways when she piled into a car with six other students. During the ride, the Jeep, driving by one of her teammates, was t-boned by a large 18-wheeler. According to a report in the Mount Olive Tribune, the driver had alcohol in her system.

Two died at the scene, two died from their injuries later on and one suffered from serious injuries as a result of the horrific crash.

Madison's mother, Joan Mergl, believes the incident could have ended differently if the students had an option other than driving themselves. According to Joan, the school had no taxis, Ubers, or Lyfts available. There were also no school clubs or school-sponsored programs to provide students with transportation options.

"Let's be real college students will often over-packed vehicles. which leads to distracted driving and accidents that can be life-changing," she told Patch. "Not to mention that students will also drive after having one drink and sometimes even after having multiple drinks."

Joan said when they were looking at schools for her daughter, they never thought to ask about transportation options in or around the area.

" I am not sure how many families ask that question but I have learned they everyone should ask. I have always taught my children that it is ok to make mistakes but to never make a second mistake because of the first mistake," she told Patch. "They always knew that they could call me for help or call an Uber. Well at her college, there are no options."

She is now fighting for every college campus should have some program for their students. She claims that while most SUNY schools do, not all schools across the nation do.