Virginia Scientist Charged in Hamptons Hit-and-Run Fatality

A woman from Virginia has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a prominent real estate agent.

Marine biologist Amanda Kempton, 32, was involved in a collision in Hampton Bays where she struck Sara Burack, a well-known real estate professional and star of the series “Million Dollar Beach House.” Burack was walking along Montauk Highway carrying a pink suitcase when she was hit.

Officials say Kempton believed she had hit a traffic cone and was unaware she had struck a person due to foggy conditions. After the accident, Kempton left the scene but later returned to her family’s home, where authorities tracked her vehicle using a license plate reader. The vehicle had front-end damage consistent with the collision.

Prosecutors allege that Kempton, originally from Virginia, had been at a tavern before the incident, which occurred on Thursday. Her lawyer maintains that alcohol was not a factor in the case.

Kempton was released after posting $100,000 bail, her family acting as collateral, and was ordered to appear in court. She faces up to seven years in prison on a felony charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Details of the Incident

Burack, 40, was reportedly walking on the side of the road pulling a large pink suitcase when she was struck. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kalempton, who holds degrees in microbiology and marine biology from George Mason University and Nova Southeastern University, has previously worked at a museum in Bridgehampton and is currently associated with a camp on Georgia’s Jekyll Island.

She was dressed in an orange sweatshirt and black slacks during her court appearance. Kempton’s background also includes work at the Children’s Museum of the East End.