NY high school volleyball coach accused of raping student-athlete, 15, takes own life by walking in front of LIRR train

David Propper
·2 min read
4
Jason Maser
Jason Maser

A former Long Island high school volleyball coach accused of raping a teen player took his own life Friday when he stepped in front of a moving Long Island Rail Road train just hours after the disturbing allegations came to light, according to MTA officials.

Jason Maser, 22, was fatally hit by a train around 10:35 p.m. near the Syosset station after he “intentionally” walked onto the tracks at the Woodbury Road crossing, MTA Police Department spokesperson Michael Cortez said in a statement.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and it was determined that he left a suicide note behind, Cortez said.

High school volleyball coach Jason Maser was struck by an LIRR train after walking in front of it, officials said. SARAH YENESEL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
High school volleyball coach Jason Maser was struck by an LIRR train after walking in front of it, officials said. SARAH YENESEL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The Syosset’s resident death comes as he was facing charges of third-degree rape and criminal sex act, Newsday reported. The former part-time coach at Sacred Heart Academy allegedly raped a 15-year-old girl at least twice while inside his Jeep on Feb. 7 and March 7, police and a criminal complaint reportedly alleged.

He was arraigned Friday morning as news broke about the sickening accusations against him and was later released on $75,000 bail, Newsday reported.

Maser’s lawyer, John Carman, declined comment when reached by The Post Sunday night.

But he told Newsday over the weekend Maser’s family was “devastated.”

“While they process what has occurred, they are concerned for the young woman involved,” he said.

Maser, 22, was facing third degree-rape and criminal sex act charges related to alleged abuse of a 15-year-old girl.
Maser, 22, was facing third degree-rape and criminal sex act charges related to alleged abuse of a 15-year-old girl.

Maser also previously coached at B&B Volleyball Club where the victim played as well, CBS 2 reported. The club cut ties with him when the organization became aware of the allegations.

Sacred Heart Academy, located in Hempstead, said in a statement following the charges that it also cut off Maser’s access to its facilities after it became aware of the alleged crimes, 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.”

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.

If you are someone you know is affected any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.