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

Admin

February 3

A Long Island man arrested this week in a fatal hit-and-run was not only an elementary-school music teacher — but regularly performed the national anthem for the New York Islanders, The Post has learned.

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

A second vehicle reportedly struck Williams, who was out getting a slice of pizza.

The second driver stayed at the scene and was not charged.

Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.

A year before the fatal crash, Wibben, of Coram, landed his "dream" job of singing the Star Spangled Banner prior to Islander home 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!"

Jonathan Wibben singing into a microphone on a baseball field. — Suffolk County Police charged Jonathan Wibben, 34, with fleeing the scene after fatally mowing down a 47-year-old pedestrian with his SUV in Port Jefferson Station on June 2. instagram @jonathanwibbenmusic

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

He is also shown singing for the New York Mets during a spring training game at Clover Park in Florida in March 2023.

Although his music career with the Islanders came to an end in May 2023, Wibben continued to work as an elementary school music teacher in the Bethpage School District — a position he's held since 2011, according to his LinkedIn profile.

He has been "removed from the classroom pending the outcome of the investigation," district superintendent David Schneider said in a statement.

Jonathan Wibben holding a microphone in a suit. — A year before the fatal crash Wibben landed his "dream" job of singing "The Star Spangled Banner" prior to Islander home games at UBS Arena. instagram @jonathanwibbenmusic

Wibben pleaded not guilty during his Tuesday arraignment and was released on his own recognizance. His next court date is Feb. 27.

Police did not disclose any details related to their investigation or evidence against 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 lawyer, William Petrillo, told The Post.