A volleyball coach at a girls’ high school in New York tragically ended his life by stepping in front of a train following allegations of raping a 15-year-old player, according to officials.
Jason Maser, 22, served as a part-time coach at Sacred Heart Academy on Long Island. He allegedly assaulted the teenage player in his vehicle on two separate occasions, on February 7 and March 7, as reported by the New York Post.
Following his arraignment on charges of third-degree rape and criminal sexual acts, Maser was released on $75,000 bail on a Friday morning. Shortly after, the shocking allegations came to light.
Later that evening, Maser’s life came to a tragic end when he deliberately walked into the path of a Long Island Rail Road train near the Syosset station, confirmed by Michael Cortez, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Police Department.
The incident occurred around 10:35 p.m., and Maser was declared dead at the scene. He left behind a suicide note, added Cortez.
John Carman, Maser’s attorney, conveyed to Newsday that Maser’s family was left “devastated” by his death. “As they come to terms with what has happened, their thoughts are with the young woman involved,” Carman stated.
Maser also had a coaching role at the B&B Volleyball Club, where the alleged victim was a player, according to CBS News. Following the allegations, the club immediately severed ties with him.
Sacred Heart Academy responded swiftly by revoking Maser’s access to their facilities and ensuring he had no further involvement with any school activities. In a statement to News 12, the school emphasized its dedication to the safety and well-being of its students. “Upon learning of the situation involving Jason Maser, Sacred Heart Academy promptly notified the appropriate authorities and extended all available support to the affected family,” school officials remarked. They further clarified that Maser was no longer employed by the academy.