Angola man charged in connection to Route 5 crash that led to death of child
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — An Angola man was charged in connection to a crash on Route 5 in Hamburg that took the life of a child Saturday night, according to the Hamburg Police Department.
Police say the accident occurred around 8:10 p.m. Saturday night at Route 5 and North Creek Road. 35-year-old Heather Van Elk of Blasdell had stopped to turn left onto North Creek Road when her vehicle was allegedly hit from behind by a truck driven by 52-year-old Markus Genovese of Angola, according to police.
8-year-old Thomas Ross of Blasdell, who was a rear-seat passenger in Elk’s vehicle, did not survive.
In a GoFundMe page set up for the family, Thomas’ parents posted a tribute of their son.
The family’s heartache is being felt throughout Western New York.
He was a second-grade student at Blasdell Elementary School.
“This is a tragic loss for the entire Frontier District, and especially for his friends, teachers and staff at Blasdell Elementary,” said Frontier Superintendent Christopher Swiatek. “Our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this difficult time.”
Grief counseling will be available to students and staff.
A 4-year-old passenger in the same vehicle was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and has since been released.
Genovese allegedly fled the scene, attempting to hide in a nearby backyard. He was apprehended by Town of Hamburg Police and taken to ECMC where he was placed under arrest on the following charges:
DWI, DWI by the combination of alcohol and narcotics
first-degree vehicular manslaughter
second-degree vehicular manslaughter
felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle
leaving the scene of a fatal auto accident
numerous other vehicle and traffic law violations
Genovese was held without bail and is scheduled to appear in Hamburg Town Court June 13.
The Town of Hamburg Police asks anyone who has any relevant information regarding the crash to contact Officer Eric Wilson of the THPD Accident Investigation Unit at (716) 648-5111 ext. 2571.
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