New Yorkers may have heard the tragic news that a drunk driver has caused the death of two Bard College students while they were walking along Route 9G near Broadway and West Kerley Corners Road in Tivoli Village. A group of people were walking southbound on Route 9G when three of them were struck by a car also travelling southbound. After the pedestrian accident, the car left the scene but was located a short time later and the driver was arrested. Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene on Friday at around 11:50 p.m. and discovered two dead victims and another victim who was injured in the accident.
The two deceased Bard students were a 19-year-old from Illinois and a 20-year-old from Washington. The third victim suffered non-life threatening injuries. The 63-year old female hit-and-run driver has been charged with felony DWI due to a prior conviction, as well as vehicular manslaughter. The Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit, the Detective and Patrol Divisions are continuing the investigation.
The mayor of Tivoli and his wife expressed condolences to the victims’ families and everyone impacted by the tragic accident including the Bard College community. The mayor also commended the services of the first responders on the scene. Because of the emotional impact on the college community of the senseless deaths, crisis counselors are available to lend support and provide links to other support services.
Calculating damages and supporting a wrongful death claim require knowledge of complex areas of law. The victims’ families may want to consult with an attorney for assistance in explaining the legal procedures involved in seeking financial reimbursement for their losses.
Source: Hudson Valley Reporter, “Police: Two Bard Students Killed by Drunk Driver While Walking Along Rt. 9G”, Bob Dumas, February 01, 2014
