Three Dead, Including 4-Year-Old, After Drunk Driver Strikes Family SUV in New York
A tragic Memorial Day weekend crash in upstate New York killed three members of a New Jersey family, including a 4-year-old girl, after their vehicle was T-boned by a drunk driver who blew through a stop sign, authorities confirm.
The family of nine was heading west on Route 20A near Maxon Road in Sheldon, New York, roughly 30 miles southeast of Buffalo, when 20-year-old Richard Sawicki of Lackawanna ran a stop sign and struck their Kia Sedona minivan, police say. The impact killed four-year-old Kiara Hernandez from Perth Amboy, New Jersey, her mother 32-year-old Mayelin Brito-Castro, and grandmother 47-year-old Ondina Castro De La Cruz.
Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory Rudolph described the devastating scene, highlighting the loss of young lives. “Anytime a child is involved – and in this case, we had five – it pulls at you,” he said.
Multiple Injuries and Chaotic Scene
Besides the three fatalities, six others ranging from 4 to 55 years old suffered injuries. The crash left several people, including children, scattered across the roadway. Emergency dispatch audio reveals the urgency as responders requested a Mercy Flight air ambulance for critically injured infants and children at the wreck site.
The other survivors in the minivan were two children aged 10 and 14, two more 4-year-olds, a 26-year-old woman, and a 55-year-old man, who was later released from the hospital. Authorities noted the vehicle was overloaded and that not all occupants were wearing seat belts, with none of the young children properly secured in car seats.
Driver Arrested, Facing Multiple Charges
Sawicki was taken to a hospital for treatment and released afterward. He was promptly arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, DWI, and reckless driving. He remains held on a $200,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on June 10.
Neighbors expressed outrage and sorrow. “That guy should pay for what he did,” said Nelson Nunez, a neighbor of the victims. “If you drink, don’t drive.”
Investigation and Public Warning
Authorities continue investigating the exact collision dynamics, including the vehicle’s excessive passenger load and failure to properly secure children. The incident underscores the deadly consequences of drunk driving and ignoring traffic signals.
This collision has left a community in mourning and raises urgent questions about roadway safety and enforcement. Officials urge everyone to use proper restraints and never drive under the influence, especially during high-travel holidays like Memorial Day weekend.
What’s Next
Sawicki’s upcoming court appearance on June 10 will determine his legal fate. Meanwhile, the survivors remain hospitalized, and authorities are working to support the grieving family and community affected by this tragic event.
Police continue to ask for anyone with information or witnesses to come forward as investigations proceed.
“Anytime a child is involved, it pulls at you. It’s a tragedy.” – Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory Rudolph
