A Youngstown woman was one of two people killed in a head-on car collision on the eastbound lane of the I-290 early Sunday morning.
Debra L. Richards, 38, was on her way to pick up her her fiancé at the airport when her car was struck by Justin L. Martin, 30, of Maryvale Drive, Cheektowaga, who police said was driving the wrong way down the roadway.
Richards was planning to get married this weekend at the Stone Jug, where Richards worked for 16 years.
Martin graduated from Kenmore’s St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in 1996 and worked as a customer service supervisor at Geico insurance company. His friends have already started a tribute group on the Facebook Web site, describing him as “smart, funny, talented and kind.”
Foggy conditions were cited as a possible contributing factor to the 4:10 a.m. crash, but the fact that Martin had a 2003 conviction of driving while ability impaired by alcohol has raised other questions about why the man possibly drove the wrong way all the way from Millersport Highway.
While alcohol use is always an avenue to be explored in a situation like this, Lt. Nick Bado said there is no evidence one way or another at this point.
“The toxicology reports probably won’t be available for a few weeks,” Bado said.
Autopsies were scheduled for Monday at Erie County Medical Center. Four others were injured in what was eventually a six-car pile up.
Local News
Related Photos
ACCIDENT: Crash victim was to be married this weekend
Youngstown woman, Cheektowaga man killed on I-290 Sunday
- Local News
-
-
Child run over be car on Niagara Avenue
Falls Traffic Division investigators said an 11-year-old boy was struck after he darted into the street, in front of a car as it pulled away from a stop sign.
-
Militello paid $50K to leave Niagara-Wheatfield
Former Niagara-Wheatfield Superintendent Carl Militello is receiving a $50,000 from the district, according to a separation settlement agreed to on Feb. 1.
-
Autopsy unable to determine cause or time of Judith Burr’s death
An autopsy by an Erie County Medical Examiner has failed to determine either the time of death or the cause of death of Judith Burr.
-
Gerber resigns from SPCA board; calls for adding veterinarian to staff
A Town of Niagara veterinarian and long-time member of the SPCA of Niagara Board of Directors has stepped down.
Dr. William Gerber submitted his resignation on Tuesday. It was effective immediately. -
Has NYPA relicensing agreement led to a revival?
A state senator is calling for an audit of the low-cost power and cash used in the last seven years by Niagara County entities that have shared in the benefits of the 50-year relicensing agreement with the New York Power Authority.
-
Joseph Davis State Park gets some green
Officials in the Town of Lewiston received approval Thursday to spend a significant portion of the community’s incoming greenway funds on the redevelopment of Joseph Davis State Park.
-
Search continues for Falls jumper
State Park Police were still searching Thursday for a Falls man who jumped from the rapids bridge at Goat Island on Wednesday morning.
-
NU gets helping hand for campus projects
A new county entity formed to help organizations secure bond financing agreed on Wednesday to assist Niagara University in the development of its new science center, a proposed refurbishment at Meade Hall and other campus improvements totaling $48 million.
-
One Niagara tax break denied
It’s a no-go for a proposed tax break at One Niagara.
At least for now. -
County IDA adds local hiring clause
From now on, applicants seeking assistance through the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency will be expected to demonstrate their “best efforts” in hiring local workers for subsidized projects.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
