Victim in fatal New Rochelle crash identified as 16-year-old Iona Prep student

The 16-year-old Iona Prep student who died in a fiery crash early Saturday only had a learner’s permit and was speeding before crashing into a light pole at a shopping center in New Rochelle, police said Wednesday.

The victim was identified as Aidan Galeano, who recently finished his sophomore year and had a passion for baseball.

Capt. J. Collins Coyne said the single-car crash occurred just after midnight when Galeano lost control of a 2019 Honda Accord as he drove east on Wilmot Road. He veered across the center lane into the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center, where the car struck a light pole and concrete base before bursting into flames.

According to an obituary, Galeano, of New Rochelle, was lovingly referred to as "Stix" by friends on his baseball teams, thanks to the number 11 he wore on his New Rochelle Little League jersey.

"Aidan’s passion for the game showed through his hard work and dedication to the sport. He also enjoyed football and basketball," the obituary read.

He was described as a "cherished member of his family and community, and spent his time helping others.

"Aidan will be remembered for his sharp sense of humor, his kindness, and a warm personality that caused people to gravitate to him," the obituary reads. "He was always happy spending time with his large network of friends, teammates, many of whom considered Aidan a part of their own family. Aidan was often a role model to younger children, and he was spending his summer as a camp counselor."

Galeano aspired to be a career fireman. He is survived by his parents, Frank and Elizabeth, his younger sister Kayla, and a long list of extended family including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visiting hours for Galeano will be 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home in Mamaroneck. A funeral mass and burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 19 at Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church.

In lieu of flowers, the Galeano family is asking for donations to the New Rochelle Little League and the Eastchester Blue Devils football team.

Jonathan Bandler contributed to this report.