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Sean Ludwick held on $1M bond for role in fatal crash
Douglas Elliman broker Paul Hansen, 53, died Sunday morning in Sag Harbor
BlackHouse Development’s Sean Ludwick was held on $1 million bond Monday for his role in a car accident in Sag Harbor on Sunday morning that killed Douglas Elliman broker Paul Hansen.
Ludwick, 42, was arraigned in Southampton Town Justice Court in Hamptons Bay and charged with DWI and leaving the scene of a fatal accident, law enforcement officials told the New York Post.
The developer could face charges of vehicular homicide after slamming his Porsche into a utility pole in Sag Harbor – killing the 53-year-old Hansen, who was in the passenger seat. The accident occurred at around 2 a.m. Sunday near the home where Hansen lived with his wife and two sons.
Ludwick allegedly left Hansen at the scene of the crash, continuing to drive with two flat tires and other damage to his vehicle. Police eventually found Ludwick down the road from the accident – reportedly standing unsteadily outside his car, according to amNewYork – before retracing his path and finding Hansen dead at the scene.
In a statement, Elliman said that “it is with deep sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of our long-time friend and colleague, Paul Hansen. Our deepest sympathies to go out to all who were touched by his extraordinary presence. We shall miss him greatly, but he will always have a place in our hearts.”
It is the latest in a string of legal troubles and arrests for Ludwick, who admitted to assault and battery earlier this year after reportedly striking his girlfriend during a stay in Martha’s Vineyard last year.
The developer also appeared in court last year after allegedly sneaking into his ex-girlfriend’s Tribeca apartment and vandalizing her artwork.
In addition, Ludwick is involved in a legal dispute with former partners Kuafu Properties and Siras Development over the future of the planned 47-story Hudson Rise condo and hotel project in Hudson Yards. A petition by Kuafu to dissolve the partnership behind the project cited “problematic behavior” from Ludwick, including a track record of negative publicity and questionable financial judgement. [NYP and amNY] — Rey Mashayekhi