New Jersey Family of Three Killed by Drunk Driver Near Niagara Falls
A Memorial Day weekend road trip ended in tragedy for a New Jersey family when their vehicle was struck by a drunk driver in upstate New York, killing three family members including a 4-year-old girl. The fatal crash occurred Sunday morning at the intersection of Route 20A and Maxon Road in Sheldon, New York, about 30 miles southeast of Buffalo.
Kiara Hernandez, 4, from Perth Amboy, New Jersey, died from head injuries at a hospital, while her mother, 32-year-old Mayelin Brito-Castro, and grandmother, 47-year-old Ondina Castro De La Cruz, were ejected from their vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Six others, ranging from 4 to 55 years old, were injured and taken to the hospital, with some still in critical condition.
Drunk Driver Blows Stop Sign, Causes Deadly T-Bone Crash
Authorities report the family of nine was traveling westbound on Route 20A in a Kia Sedona minivan when the crash occurred. The vehicle was T-boned by a Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by 20-year-old Richard Sawicki of Lackawanna, New York, who had run a stop sign. Sawicki was arrested at the scene and faces charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving.
Investigators revealed that the Sedona, which only seats seven, was overloaded with people, including three 4-year-old children who were not in car seats. Authorities also said not everyone was wearing seatbelts. The crash left some passengers severely injured, and emergency responders described finding “infants… down” at the scene.
Emotional Response from Law Enforcement and Community
“Anytime a child is involved – and in this case, we had five – it pulls at you. It’s a tragedy,” said Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory Rudolph.
Neighbors expressed outrage over the reckless behavior. Nelson Nunez, living upstairs from the victims, stated, “That guy should pay for what he did. If you drink, don’t drive.”
Legal Proceedings Underway, Driver Held on $200,000 Bond
Sawicki was hospitalized briefly after the crash and has since been released. He is currently held in jail under a $200,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on June 10. Authorities continue investigating the incident as community members mourn the loss of three lives during a holiday meant for celebration and family.
Why This Matters Now
This heart-wrenching crash underscores the dangers of drunk driving and the critical importance of proper child safety restraints. For South Carolina and the broader United States, it raises urgent reminders ahead of summer travel about vigilance on the roads and the deadly consequences of impaired driving.
The SC Journal will continue to follow updates on the victims’ conditions, legal proceedings, and any policy responses stemming from this tragedy.
