New Jersey Family of Three Killed in Devastating Memorial Day Crash Near Niagara Falls
Sheldon, NY — Tragedy struck a New Jersey family on Sunday morning when a drunk driver T-boned their SUV during a Memorial Day weekend road trip to Niagara Falls, killing three family members including a 4-year-old girl, and injuring six others.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Route 20A and Maxon Road in Sheldon, a small town about 30 miles southeast of Buffalo. Authorities confirm the victims were 4-year-old Kiara Hernandez of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, her mother, 32-year-old Mayelin Brito-Castro, and grandmother 47-year-old Ondina Castro De La Cruz. De La Cruz and Brito-Castro were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, while Hernandez was rushed to a hospital with head injuries but later died.
Drunk Driver Blown Through Stop Sign, Charges Filed
The crash happened when 20-year-old Richard Sawicki of Lackawanna, New York, driving a Dodge Ram pickup, ran a stop sign and struck the family’s Kia Sedona minivan on its side. The family of nine was traveling westbound when the pickup hit their vehicle.
Sawicki was arrested at the scene and faces multiple charges including aggravated vehicular homicide, DWI, and reckless driving. He was released from the hospital and is being held on $200,000 bond. Sawicki is scheduled to return to court on June 10.
Multiple Injuries, Safety Concerns Raised
Six other family members ranging in age from 4 to 55 were hospitalized with injuries. Two other children aged 4 and 10, a 14-year-old, a 26-year-old woman, and a 55-year-old man were treated at local hospitals. The 55-year-old was later released, but the others remain under care. Officers noted several safety violations: the Sedona was carrying more people than its intended seven-seat capacity, many were not wearing seatbelts, and none of the three 4-year-olds had proper car seats.
Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory Rudolph described the scene as “a tragedy,” emphasizing the impact of the crash on the community and especially when children are involved. “Anytime a child is involved — and in this case, we had five — it pulls at you,” he told The Daily News of Batavia.
Community Mourns, Calls for Accountability
Neighbors and witnesses reacted with shock and grief. Nelson Nunez, the family’s upstairs neighbor, said,
“That guy should pay for what he did. If you drink, don’t drive.”
Emergency dispatcher audio from the crash site reveals the chaos as first responders worked to assist multiple victims laying in the roadway, including infants. Officers called for medical air transport as they reported injuries to “5 to 6 people… infants… down.”
Next Steps and Legal Proceedings
Sawicki remains in custody awaiting further court proceedings. Authorities continue investigating all factors surrounding the crash, including potential vehicle safety violations.
This tragedy underscores the deadly risks of drunk driving, especially during major travel holidays like Memorial Day weekend. Authorities urge motorists throughout the United States to prioritize road safety and responsible behavior.
The Delaware Herald will monitor the developing story as more details emerge.
