Three Killed, Including 4-Year-Old, in Horrific Memorial Day Crash in Upstate New York
A New Jersey family’s Memorial Day trip ended in tragedy when a drunk driver struck their vehicle in upstate New York, killing three people, including a 4-year-old girl. The crash unfolded Sunday morning near Route 20A and Maxon Road in Sheldon, about 30 miles southeast of Buffalo.
Authorities confirm that the victims were Kiara Hernandez, a 4-year-old from Perth Amboy, New Jersey; her mother, 32-year-old Mayelin Brito-Castro; and grandmother, 47-year-old Ondina Castro De La Cruz. The family was traveling west on Route 20A in a Kia Sedona minivan when their vehicle was T-boned by 20-year-old Richard Sawicki, who blew through a stop sign driving a Dodge Ram pickup truck.
Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory Rudolph stated, “
Anytime a child is involved – and in this case, we had five – it pulls at you. It’s a tragedy.”
The crash also injured six others in the minivan, including children ages 4, 10, and 14, plus adults ranging up to 55 years old. One adult has been released from hospital; others remain hospitalized with varying injuries.
Charges Filed Against Drunk Driver Who Ignored Stop Sign
Sawicki, from Lackawanna, New York, was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, DWI, and reckless driving. He was taken to the hospital after the collision and later released but remains held on a $200,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 10.
Authorities say the minivan, designed to seat seven, was overloaded, and notably, some occupants weren’t wearing seatbelts. None of the three 4-year-olds onboard were secured in car seats at the time of the crash. Both Brito-Castro and De La Cruz were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Hernandez died later at a hospital due to head injuries.
Community Reacts to Tragedy as Police Paint Harrowing Scene
Local residents expressed grief and anger, with Nelson Nunez, the family’s upstairs neighbor, saying, “
That guy should pay for what he did. If you drink, don’t drive.
”
Audio from emergency dispatchers revealed the chaos at the scene:
“I have an MVA at 20A and Maxon Road… there are people laying in the roadway,” the dispatcher reported. An officer responded, “Gonna have to get Mercy Flight on standby… I got at least 5 to 6 people… infants… down.”
What’s Next
This case highlights ongoing risks of drunk driving, especially over holiday weekends when travel spikes nationwide, including Colorado and across the U.S. Sawicki’s upcoming court hearing on June 10 will further address charges amid an investigation still unfolding in this devastating crash.
The tragedy underscores critical safety issues: proper car seats, seatbelt use, and sober driving, all vital for protecting families on the road.
The Colorado Daily will provide updates as new details emerge surrounding this fatal Memorial Day crash that has left a family and community shattered.
