After surgery yesterday, the family of Benjamin Pileski, 20, a Mattituck High School graduate who is fighting for survival after being struck by a taxi Sunday in Montauk, has created a Facebook page to share prayers, memories, and support.
Ben’s Corner, said Zach Pileski, Benjamin’s brother, is also a place to keep updates and information about his progress in one location.
His brother’s surgery yesterday went well, Zach said. “He survived, which is a big thing,” he said.
Doctors removed a portion of Benjamin’s skull, which, after the swelling goes down, will be replaced, Zach said. Surgery was done in the afternoon because doctors thought an emergency procedure might otherwise have to be performed at 2 or 3 a.m., Zach said.
“We are now at the 72-hour mark, where the doctors say the swelling will be at its worst. Now it’s a waiting and praying game. We are hoping from here on out that his swelling will finally go down,” Zach said.
Benjamin’s parents have also asked that visitors wait a few days, to give him time to rest and heal. If visitors could wait until after the weekend, it would be greatly appreciated, Zach said.
Benjamin’s family is striving to hold strong to hope. “We’re as good as can be,” Zach said. “There are still tears, but there’s also still strength. We know he’s going to make it through.”
Benjamin’s family thanked the community for the outpouring of love and prayers that has helped carry them through their most difficult hours.
“We keep hearing stories of hope, and of miracles,” Zach said. “The doctors say he’s young and strong, so everyone’s really optimistic. There’s nothing but positivity here.”
Benjamin, 20, is currently in critical condition in Stony Brook Hospital’s surgical intensive care unit.
According to East Hampton Town Police Capt. Chris Anderson, the accident took place at 3:09 a.m. Sunday on Montauk Highway in Montauk Village, when a taxi traveling westbound struck two pedestrians, who were heading from the south side of the roadway. No charges were filed in the accident, Anderson said.
With Ben still fighting, Zach said his brother still needs the prayers and support of the community.
Ben is still in a medically induced coma and will be, at least for the next few days, he said. After that, “Hopefully, they’ll try to wake him, as long as his numbers seem to be leveling out,” his brother said.
Cutchogue resident Susan Tyler, whose son Justin Tyler was with Benjamin at the time of the accident, said both young men were crossing the street when they were struck by a taxi, which allegedly came around a bend and struck Benjamin first, then Justin.
According to Ben’s father Thomas Pileski, his son was walking near the Montauk traffic circle when he was struck, along with Tyler. Two other friends with them were unhurt, Pileski said.
Facing a parent’s worst nightmare, Pileski said, “It’s terrible. I’ve can’t even think. But I have to be strong for him.”
Benjamin, he said, has worked since he was 13 on David Steele’s farm in Mattituck, and currently, serves his nation proudly in the Navy.
Tyler’s son suffered a mild concussion, slight skull fracture, a small amount of blood on his brain, and scrapes. she said.
Both Ben and Justin Tyler are Class of 2013 Mattituck High School graduates.
Benjamin’s mother, Gwen DeFriest, said the community’s support helps immeasurably. “There are people who knew my dad and my great-grandfather; they farmed together and went to church together. It’s literally family.”
Reflecting on her son, Defriest said he’s a “ham” and a “cutup. He’s got crinkly eyes when he smiles and a huge grin. Everyone loves him. Even when he wouldn’t follow directions in school, the teachers would call, but they’d say, ‘But we all love him. He’s a great kid.’”
Today, she said, “he’s doing such great things with the Navy.”
The next hours, DeFriest agreed, are the most important. “He’s weathered storms. Right now, it’s prayers, just prayers. We need the prayers to get his eyes open. And then we’ll deal with what comes after.”
