The tranquil, exclusive Hamptons community was rocked by a devastating tragedy that has since captured national attention: the fatal hit-and-run of beloved local realtor Sara Burack. This incident, which occurred in the early morning hours of June 19, 2025, near the Villa Paul restaurant on Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays, has highlighted the critical issues of driver accountability and pedestrian safety in the area. The case moved swiftly, with police identifying and arresting a suspect, Amanda Kempton, shortly after the crash, transforming a local tragedy into a high-profile criminal case that continues to unfold in Suffolk County Court.
The latest updates, as of December 13, 2025, confirm that the legal process is well underway, bringing a measure of closure, but also renewed grief, to the victim’s family and friends. The deep roots of Sara Burack in the community, coupled with her brief but memorable appearance on the Netflix series "Million Dollar Beach House," have amplified the public's demand for justice. This in-depth report compiles the freshest, most crucial details about the victim, the suspect, and the ongoing legal battle surrounding this shocking Hampton Bays hit-and-run.
The Life and Legacy of Sara Burack: A Local Star's Tragic End
Sara Burack, 40, was more than just a resident of Southampton; she was a vibrant, well-known figure within the Hamptons' competitive real estate world and an active member of her community. Her sudden and violent death left a void felt across the East End.
Sara Burack’s professional career was marked by her energy and passion for the Hamptons lifestyle. She was a dedicated real estate agent, specializing in the luxury market. Her expertise and charisma led to her being featured on the popular Netflix reality series, *Million Dollar Beach House*. While her role on the show was relatively brief, it cemented her status as a recognizable local personality, bringing a broader audience to her tragic story.
Complete Biography and Profile:
- Name: Sara Burack
- Age: 40 (at the time of death)
- Residence: Southampton, New York
- Occupation: Luxury Real Estate Agent
- Notable Media Appearance: Featured on the Netflix series *Million Dollar Beach House*
- Date of Incident: Early morning, Thursday, June 19, 2025
- Location of Incident: Montauk Highway, near Villa Paul Restaurant, Hampton Bays
- Cause of Death: Struck by a vehicle in a fatal hit-and-run accident
Friends and colleagues remember Burack as a dedicated professional and a warm, magnetic individual. The outpouring of support and tributes following her death underscored the deep connections she had forged in the Southampton and Hampton Bays areas. Her passing is a profound loss not only to her family but also to the local business and social circles she was a part of. The community’s collective grief has fueled the intense focus on the subsequent criminal investigation and prosecution.
Timeline of the Fatal Incident and Legal Proceedings
The investigation into the deadly crash moved quickly, a testament to the dedication of the Southampton Town Police and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office. The swift identification and arrest of a suspect provided immediate relief to a community reeling from the shock of a senseless tragedy.
The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
The incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Sara Burack was struck by a vehicle while walking on Montauk Highway, a main thoroughfare in the Hampton Bays area. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop, leaving the scene and leaving Sara Burack to succumb to her injuries. The critical evidence gathering process began immediately, involving detectives and a New York State Police accident reconstruction unit to piece together the sequence of events and identify the vehicle involved.
The nature of the crime—a fatal hit-and-run—ignited public outrage, putting immense pressure on law enforcement to find the perpetrator. Leaving the scene of an accident, especially one resulting in death, is a felony offense that carries severe penalties in New York State.
The Suspect: Amanda Kempton’s Arrest and Indictment
Within a day of the crash, police announced an arrest. Amanda Kempton, a 32-year-old resident of Fairfax, Virginia, was taken into custody on Friday, June 20, 2025. The rapid identification of Kempton was a key development in the case.
Kempton was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting (resulting in death), a serious felony. Following her arrest, she was arraigned in Suffolk County Court. The court proceedings revealed that Kempton was allegedly driving the vehicle that struck and killed Sara Burack and then fled the area. The community followed the arraignment closely, viewing it as the first step toward justice for the beloved realtor.
The case escalated further when a Suffolk County grand jury indicted Amanda Kempton on the charge of leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death. An indictment signifies that the grand jury found sufficient evidence to warrant a criminal trial. This formal charge means the prosecution can proceed with the case in the higher court system, moving beyond the initial arrest and arraignment phase. The indictment process, which took place in the months following the June incident, ensures the case remains a top priority for the District Attorney's office.
The Broader Issue of Hit-and-Runs and Pedestrian Safety on Montauk Highway
The tragic death of Sara Burack is, unfortunately, not an isolated incident in the Hamptons area. The high-profile nature of her case has shone a harsh light on the persistent and dangerous problem of fatal hit-and-run accidents, particularly along major arteries like Montauk Highway (Route 27), which runs through Hampton Bays.
A Pattern of Fatal Crashes
While the Burack case is the most recent and publicized, it is part of a disturbing pattern. Search results indicate that another fatal hit-and-run involving a pedestrian occurred in Hampton Bays approximately eight months prior to the Sara Burack incident. In that case, a 67-year-old local man was killed, and a Southampton man was later charged in connection with the crime. This suggests a systemic issue that requires more than just individual criminal prosecution.
Montauk Highway, especially during the busy summer season, is characterized by heavy traffic, high speeds, and a significant number of pedestrians, often walking in low-light conditions. The combination of these factors creates a high-risk environment for accidents. The local authorities and community groups have repeatedly called for increased safety measures, including better lighting, clearer signage, and stricter enforcement of speed limits and drunk driving laws. The need for greater driver awareness regarding pedestrians is a crucial element in preventing future tragedies.
Topical Authority Entities & Related Keywords:
- Suffolk County District Attorney's Office
- Southampton Town Police Department
- New York State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit
- Montauk Highway (Route 27)
- Villa Paul Restaurant (Landmark location)
- Westhampton-Hampton Bays Community
- Fairfax, Virginia (Suspect's residence)
- Leaving the Scene of an Incident (Legal charge)
- Felony Indictment
- Pedestrian Safety Advocacy
- Luxury Real Estate Market
- Netflix's *Million Dollar Beach House*
- Fatal Vehicular Crimes
- DUI/DWI Enforcement (Related contextual entity)
- Traffic Safety Initiatives
Community Response and Call for Justice
The Hampton Bays community has rallied around the memory of Sara Burack, using her tragic death to push for systemic change. Vigils and memorials have been held, and the focus has shifted to ensuring that the legal system delivers justice for Sara and serves as a powerful deterrent to others who might consider fleeing the scene of a crash. The maximum penalty for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death in New York State is a significant prison sentence, reflecting the severity of the crime.
The ongoing legal process against Amanda Kempton will be closely watched by the entire region. The case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of a single, reckless decision. For the community, the hope is that this high-profile prosecution will not only bring closure to Sara Burack’s loved ones but also usher in an era of heightened vigilance and responsibility on Hamptons roads, ultimately saving lives and preventing another family from enduring a similar, heartbreaking loss.
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