A former Long Island high school volleyball coach accused of raping a minor player killed himself Friday, March 22, by stepping in front of a moving Long Island Rail Road train, only hours after the horrifying claims surfaced.
Jason Maser, 22, was tragically struck by a train around 10:35 p.m. near the Syosset station after “intentionally” walking into the tracks at the Woodbury Road crossing, according to MTA Police Department spokesperson Michael Cortez.
He was pronounced dead at the site, and it was discovered that he left a suicide note, Cortez said.
According to Newsday, he died while facing allegations of third-degree rape and illegal sex act.
The former part-time coach at Sacred Heart Academy is accused of raping a 15-year-old girl at least twice while inside his Jeep on February 7 and March 7, according to police in a criminal complaint.
He was arrested Friday morning as news of the horrifying charges against him spread, and he was later released on $75,000 bond, according to Newsday.
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Maser’s lawyer, John Carman, told Newsday over the weekend that the family was “devastated.”
“While they process what has occurred, they are concerned for the young woman involved,” he said.
Maser had previously coached at B&B Volleyball Club, where the victim also played, CBS 2 reported. The club severed ties with him after learning of the claims.
Following the allegations, Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead announced in a statement that it also denied Maser access to its facilities after becoming aware of the alleged offences, according to News 12.
“Sacred Heart Academy is firmly committed to our students’ safety and well-being,” the private Catholic school said. “When Sacred Heart learned of the situation involving Jason Maser, Sacred Heart notified the appropriate authorities and offered all available resources to the family.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
