In a deeply tragic case that shook the Hudson Valley community, a Poughkeepsie man has been sentenced to jail after admitting he drove while dangerously drowsy, causing the death of a newly graduated student from Bard College.
Bard College Graduate Fatally Struck Moments After Graduation
On the night of May 25, 2023, just hours after receiving her master’s degree from Bard College, 25-year-old Linh Hong Nguyen was walking on the sidewalk along Broadway (Route 9) in the Village of Red Hook when she was fatally struck by a speeding vehicle.
Nguyen, a native of Vietnam, had traveled to the Hudson Valley to pursue her graduate studies. Just days before her tragic death, she had proudly performed her Degree Recital, marking the culmination of her academic journey. Her life was cut short in a matter of moments—mere hours after she achieved a milestone that symbolized years of hard work, sacrifice, and promise.
Driver Rohan Patrick Pleads Guilty
The man behind the wheel was 42-year-old Rohan Patrick, a resident of Poughkeepsie, New York. According to authorities, Patrick was driving between 50 and 60 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone when he lost control of his 2017 Ford Fusion and veered off the road, striking Nguyen, who was walking safely on the sidewalk near Cherry Street.
Patrick pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide, a Class E felony, in March 2025. On sentencing day, Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi announced that Patrick would serve 364 days in jail—the maximum allowed for that class of felony without entering a higher sentencing category.
Driving While Barely Awake
In his court confession, Patrick admitted to driving in an extremely drowsy state, aware that he was struggling to stay awake and maintain control of his vehicle for at least 30 minutes prior to the fatal crash. Despite knowing the danger he posed, he continued driving at unsafe speeds in a populated area.
“This has been a heartbreaking case from the very beginning,” said DA Parisi. “The loss of Linh Hong Nguyen—a bright, compassionate young woman—has left a void that cannot be filled. Today’s sentence reflects the defendant’s failure to meet the basic duty of care required under the law and aligns with the standard for criminal negligence.”
Community Mourns a Promising Young Life
Nguyen’s death sent waves of grief through the Bard College community and beyond. A GoFundMe campaign established in her memory described her as a gifted, kind-hearted individual who had a deep love for music and a passion for education. She had left her home in Vietnam to pursue a better future in the United States, only for that future to be taken away just as it was beginning.
“She had just performed her Degree Recital. She was finally ready to pursue her dreams,” read a statement from a friend on the donation page. “This loss is immeasurable.”
Legal Outcome and Public Response
Patrick’s sentence of 364 days has sparked discussion around the adequacy of punishment for negligent driving that results in death. While many accept that the charge of criminally negligent homicide falls under specific legal parameters, others have questioned whether the sentence truly reflects the gravity of the tragedy.
In his remarks, DA Parisi emphasized the legal boundaries of the case. “While no legal outcome can undo this tragedy, we hope this step toward accountability offers some measure of comfort to those who loved her. We remain committed to supporting the Nguyen family and the community as they continue to grieve and heal.”
A Sobering Reminder
This incident highlights the often-overlooked danger of drowsy driving, which research shows can be as hazardous as driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thousands of crashes each year in the U.S. are attributed to fatigued drivers.
Patrick’s admission that he was aware of his condition, yet continued to drive at high speed, paints a stark picture of the risks involved when drivers underestimate their own limitations. Tragically, Nguyen paid the ultimate price for someone else’s negligence.
As the community continues to mourn Linh Hong Nguyen, her story stands as both a tribute to a life filled with potential and a warning about the consequences of careless decisions on the road. Though justice has been served within the boundaries of the law, her death serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life—and the enduring impact of preventable tragedy.
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