NEW CASTLE, N.Y. - State Police are investigating a fatal crash on the Taconic State Parkway that left four people dead and a fifth in critical condition.
One of the victims was identified as Rob Violante, a Somers High School graduate who served as the head football coach at Bergenfield High School in New Jersey.
The two-car accident occurred just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, near mile marker 9.2 in New Castle.
A preliminary investigation showed that a 2014 Ram ProMaster cargo van, driven by Yader A. Reyes, 50, of Long Branch, NJ, had been traveling southbound when it crossed the center median and entered the northbound lane.
The van then impacted the 2024 Honda Accord, driven by Violante, which was traveling in the northbound passing lane.
According to State Police, the collision caused the van to overturn and burst into flames. The three occupants of the Ram were pronounced deceased at the scene. The victims were later identified as Odenis Balladares Martinez, 20, Harrison Mauricio Reyes Rivera, 34, and Bryan Aguilar Castillo, 45, all of New Jersey.
Violante was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to injuries.
Reyes remains in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center.
The accident is currently under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information is urged to contact the New York State Police at 845-677-7300
This is a developing story.
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