Reservist, Smithtown Native, Dies in Mexico

Army reservist and Smithtown native Sgt. Joseph Bitet died Saturday in Mexico after suffering severe internal injuries under "mysterious circumstances," the family told Newsday.

Bitet, 30, had served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine.

According to the Newsday report, Bitet was on vacation in Cancun with his girlfriend when hotel workers said he fell five stories and sustained the critical injuries. The girlfriend, Sgt. Allyson Jo Parla, 29, of New Hyde Park, was not present at the time of the accident.

The incident has garnered the attention of high-ranking politicians.

From Newsday [subscritpion required]:

Annette Bitet said that she has been contacted by several U.S. officials, including Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) about the case. She has also hired an attorney based in Cancun to follow the investigation.

Officials could not be reached for comment. A spokesman for King said the congressman had contacted the U.S. consulate in Mexico and was monitoring the situation.

Bitet was a Hauppauge High School graduate.