NY teacher who sang national anthem for Islanders allegedly fled fatal hit-and-run

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By Georgia Worrell

A Long Island guy arrested this week in a fatal hit-and-run used to be no longer simplest an elementary-school song teacher — however incessantly carried out the national anthem for the New York Islanders, The Post has realized. 

Suffolk County Police charged Jonathan Wibben, 34, with a criminal for fleeing the scene after fatally mowing down 47-year-old pedestrian Peter Williams together with his SUV in Port Jefferson Station at the evening of June 2, according to Long Island News 12. 

A 2nd car reportedly struck Williams, who used to be out getting a slice of pizza.

The 2nd driving force stayed on the scene and used to be no longer charged.

Williams used to be pronounced lifeless on the scene.

A yr prior to the fatal crash, Wibben, of Coram, landed his “dream” process of making a song the Star Spangled Banner previous to Islander house video games at UBS Arena.

“Getting to sing the National Anthem for the @ny_islander’s season opener Thursday night at @ubsarena was a dream come true!” he wrote on X on Oct. 15, 2022. “Not only that, I am so humbled and excited to announce that I am the official National Anthem singer for the New York Islanders for the 2022-2023 season!”

Photos on his Facebook, X, and Instagram display Wibben belting out the anthem over the following seven months.

He may be proven making a song for the New York Mets throughout a spring coaching sport at Clover Park in Florida in March 2023.

Although his song profession with the Islanders got here to an lead to May 2023, Wibben persisted to paintings as an fundamental faculty song teacher within the Bethpage School District — a place he’s held since 2011, consistent with his LinkedIn profile. 

He has been “removed from the classroom pending the outcome of the investigation,” district superintendent David Schneider stated in a commentary.

Wibben pleaded no longer to blame throughout his Tuesday arraignment and used to be launched on his personal recognizance. His subsequent court docket date is Feb. 27. 

Police didn’t divulge any main points associated with their investigation or proof towards Wibben.

“Jonathan is grateful to have served with the Islanders. He is loved and supported by many and remains heartbroken over this tragic loss of life,” Wibben’s legal professional, William Petrillo, informed The Post.