Former Brentwood High School girls soccer player Tania Bonilla has died during a car accident last weekend.
She was 19.
“We are very sad to hear the passing of Tania Bonilla,” local soccer coach Alvaro E. Phan said in a Facebook post. “She was one of our own that wore the Green and white proudly.
“A young soul taken to early in life.
“We as Brentwood Alumni family we are sending our condolences, love , support and prayers to the Bonilla family.
“If you have a chance to please say a prayer.”
A car Bonilla was driving on Southern State Parkway left the road and struck a guardrail on the northbound ramp to the Sagtikos Parkway a little before 3 a.m. Saturday, New York State police said.
Bonilla was taken to Southside Hospital, where she died. Four passengers in the car were taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
A Brentwood, N.Y. native, Bonilla was a criminology major and a member of the at SUNY-Old Westbury women’s soccer team.
“We mourn today the life of a student who passed too soon, but let us also remember fondly Tania Bonilla and offer our hopes for strength and peace to her loved ones and teammates in this difficult time,” Old Westbury president Calvin O. Butts III wrote in an email.
Women’s coach Betty Bohringer was just as shocked and sad.
“Our soccer family is completely devastated about Tania’s tragic death. We do not plan for this when we speak about our goals and dreams,” she said in a statement. “Tania’s life was cut much too short and she had so much to share and experience with us.
“She made us all better people and players. A piece of us died along with her and we hope that she had our strength and comfort as she passed. It will be a long time, if we ever can move on from the unexplained timeliness from this accident.
“My sympathy and condolences to the Bonilla family, the Brentwood community, the SUNY Old Westbury family and everyone that was touched by Tania’s living spirit.
“Tania – You had so much more to give, you were taken much too soon and we will all remember and play soccer for you forever.”
Bohringer said that the team will honor Bonilla when the team resumes its soccer season.
As a defender, Bonilla started in 13 games and made 18 appearances while recording three assists as a freshman wh
She also excelled in the classroom earning at least a 3.0 grade-point average to earn a spot on the fall 2019 Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll. Bonilla also participated in community service projects, including tje Student-Athlete Advisory Committee annual Turkey Trot.
