Binghamton eighth grader and cousin, killed in Memorial Day crash, were 'kindred spirits'

A Binghamton West Middle School eighth grader is being remembered as a "lovely student" who enjoyed drawing, TikTok and the outdoors, after she and her cousin were struck by a car and killed on Memorial Day.

Maliya Hardenbergh, 14, died while walking along Gulf Road in the Sullivan County Town of Callicoon.

Liberty-based New York State Police said William Hardenbergh, 22, was also killed in the crash, which was reported at about 3 a.m. Monday.

Troopers said the 24-year-old driver of the 2012 Honda that struck the pair called 911 and remained at the site of the crash.

Both Maliya Hardenbergh and William Hardenbergh were pronounced dead at the scene.

State Police said the investigation into the crash is continuing.

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Counseling available at school following 'tragic loss'

Binghamton School Superintendent Dr. Tonia Thompson said, "Our hearts go out to Maliya’s family as they grieve this tragic loss."

In a message to the school community, Thompson said, "Maliya was a lovely student who will be sincerely missed and warmly remembered by her classmates, as well as our faculty and staff."

Thompson noted that counseling services are available at West Middle School for anyone seeking support.

"The death of a young person is always tragic, and we are here to support our students and colleagues as they cope with this terrible news," Thompson added.

In a Facebook post, Maliya's General Music teacher Robert Crissman said the young student "would usually drive the energy in the classroom and loved to question me."

He added, "I told her (she) would make a great teacher one day. Such a sad loss. I am praying for her, her family and all involved."

Cousins were 'kindred spirits'

Maliya loved to draw, explore TikTok, bake, watch videos and solve puzzles, according to an obituary published by the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home.

The obituary describes the cousins as "kindred spirits," especially in their love for the outdoors, camping and "anything to do with the water."

A joint memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home, 5068 state Route 52, Jeffersonville, N.Y.

Calling hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.

Neal Simon on Twitter @HornellTribNeal. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Maliya Hardenbergh, 14, died after she was hit by a car while walking