Three Killed Including Toddler in Memorial Day Crash with Drunk Driver
A New Jersey family was shattered when a drunk driver struck and killed three of its members, including a 4-year-old girl, during a Memorial Day weekend trip to Niagara Falls. The collision happened Sunday morning near Sheldon, New York, around Route 20A and Maxon Road, about 30 miles southeast of Buffalo.
Authorities confirmed the victims were 4-year-old Kiara Hernandez, her mother, 32-year-old Mayelin Brito-Castro, and grandmother 47-year-old Ondina Castro De La Cruz. The family of nine was traveling westbound in a Kia Sedona minivan when a Dodge Ram pickup, driven by 20-year-old Richard Sawicki from Lackawanna, New York, blew through a stop sign and T-boned their vehicle.
Multiple Injuries with Critical Impact on Children
Besides the tragic fatalities, six others in the vehicle, ranging from age 4 to 55, sustained injuries. Among those hurt were two other 4-year-olds, along with children aged 10 and 14, a 26-year-old woman, and a 55-year-old man. While the 55-year-old was released from the hospital, all other survivors remain hospitalized with serious injuries. Emergency responders faced a harrowing scene upon arrival, describing multiple infants lying in the road and needing immediate mercy airlift support.
Sheriff Gregory Rudolph of Wyoming County expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing the tragedy of involving so many children in the crash:
“Anytime a child is involved – and in this case, we had five – it pulls at you,”
he said.
Drunk Driving Charges and Legal Action Underway
Authorities arrested Richard Sawicki immediately at the scene. He faces serious charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, DWI, and reckless driving. Sawicki was hospitalized briefly and released, now held on a $200,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court again on June 10.
Neighbor Nelson Nunez spoke out sharply against drunk driving, stating:
“That guy should pay for what he did. If you drink, don’t drive.”
Questions Raised Over Vehicle Safety Measures
Investigators revealed that the minivan was overcrowded, designed for seven passengers but reportedly carrying nine at the time of the crash. Not all occupants wore seat belts, and critically, none of the three children aged four and under were secured in car seats. Both Brito-Castro and De La Cruz were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Hernandez sustained severe head injuries and later died at a hospital.
Memorial Day Trip Ends in Unthinkable Loss
The family had been taking a road trip to Niagara Falls, a popular destination during the holiday weekend. The crash has reverberated well beyond New York as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving. As investigations continue, local and national safety advocates point to this incident as a tragic but preventable loss.
This devastating crash is a stark warning to drivers across the United States during peak travel times. Authorities urge everyone to practice safe driving and use proper child restraints. The investigation remains ongoing with more details expected after upcoming court proceedings.
Next Steps and Community Reactions
Law enforcement officials continue to gather evidence and coordinate with medical professionals to support survivors. Sawicki’s legal defense has yet to respond publicly. Meanwhile, the affected community mourns and calls for justice.
As Memorial Day travel continues across the country, this incident serves as an urgent reminder of the consequences of impaired and reckless driving, and the vital importance of traffic safety laws – especially for families on the road.
