Mark Drago’s death has been ruled a suicide by the Westchester County deputy medical examiner, and Aleksandar Milovanovic said he has no reason to change his report.
"It is a suicide," Milovanovic said. "It’s very unfortunate and I am not making this determination lightly."
Drago, a 48-year-old father of two from Rye, was driving west on Playland Parkway around 8 a.m. on Sunday when his Ford Explorer crashed into a concrete barrier and flipped onto Interstate 95. Drago, who was not wearing his seat belt, was ejected from the car and pronounced dead at the scene, state police investigator Shannon Morrison said. No other cars were involved and there were no passengers in Drago’s car.
Milovanovic said he had not received any toxicology reports and made his determination based on pre-accident information as well as the circumstances of the accident itself. Some have been questioning whether Milovanovic made his determination prematurely.
"Nothing else makes sense," he said. "It’s very unfortunate and the interest is natural."
State police said Tuesday that their investigation is ongoing.
Visitation hours for Drago will be held Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Graham Funeral home at 1036 Boston Post Road.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection at 910 Boston Post Road.
Drago was born in Queens on Oct. 19, 1961. He was a graduate of Rye High School and lived on Florence Avenue. He is survived by his wife, Tracy Drago, and two daughters, Kyle and Paige.
A scholarship fund has been set up for the Drago children. Contributions can be sent to the Drago Children Scholarship Fund c/o Glenn Westerink at 9 York Avenue, Rye, NY 10580.
"My heart goes out to them," Milovanovic said.
