Virginia Woman Pleads Not Guilty in Hamptons Hit-and-Run That Killed Real Estate Agent

A woman from Virginia has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a well-known Hamptons real estate agent. During her court appearance, she claimed she believed she had struck a traffic cone, not a person.

Amanda Kempton, a 32-year-old marine biologist, was released after posting bail secured by her family, set at $100,000. She appeared in Southampton Town Justice Court, visibly emotional, as prosecutors argued for high bail, citing concerns that she might flee the area. Kempton was reportedly preparing to attend a wedding in Virginia when the incident occurred.

Authorities accuse Kempton of leaving the scene after striking Sara Burack, 40, who was walking along Montauk Highway pulling a large pink suitcase. Kempton’s attorney stated that foggy conditions obscured her view, causing her to mistake Burack for a traffic cone. After the crash, Kempton reportedly drove to a friend’s house, where she discovered Burack’s suitcase lodged beneath her vehicle.

Authorities traced Kempton’s vehicle using license plate readers, finding it at her family’s home with front-end damage. The victim, Sara Burack, was walking along the road carrying her pink suitcase when she was struck and killed. Burack was a high-end property specialist and starred in a popular real estate TV show.

Kempton faces a charge carrying up to seven years in prison for leaving the scene of a fatal accident. She has been involved in environmental work and previously worked at a museum in Bridgehampton. Kempton’s family has declined to comment following her court appearance.