Authorities say four people, including a high school football coach, were killed in a two-vehicle collision in upstate New York.
The event happened on Wednesday, May 14, on the Taconic State Parkway close to mile marker 9.2 in the Westchester County town of New Castle, according to a news release from the New York State Police.
A Sprinter van was moving south when it crossed the center median and into the northbound lanes, according to police, who based their findings on an initial investigation.
According to authorities, a northbound Honda sedan that was traveling in the passing lane was struck by the van.
“The impact caused the Sprinter van to overturn and become engulfed in flames,” according to the police. “Three occupants of the van were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Honda, who was transported to the hospital, has succumbed to their injuries and pronounced deceased.”
According to police, the Sprinter van’s driver is presently receiving treatment at Westchester Medical Center.
The event is still being investigated, according to authorities. The identities of the crash victims have not been made public by New York State Police.
Christopher Tully, the superintendent of the Bergenfield Public School District, revealed that Robert Violante, the head football coach at Bergenfield High School, was among the dead in a letter posted on Facebook on Thursday, May 15.
“His unexpected loss is deeply felt across our entire school community,” according to the letter, “and we know that Bergenfield High School and our town will never be the same without him. He died in a tragic car accident on the way home from school yesterday.”
According to Tully’s letter, Violante has been the head coach of the football team since 2011 and has worked for the school district for 15 years.
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“‘Coach V’ was more than just a teacher and coach—he was a mentor, a father figure, and a true friend to so many,” Tully added. “He always put students first and believed in helping them reach their highest potential. Known for his compassion, dedication, and quiet strength, he instilled discipline through tough love and created lasting bonds with those lucky enough to be in his presence. His heart of gold and unwavering support made him a beloved figure in our schools.”
“You were a devoted son, brother, uncle, teacher, coach, and friend — and you will be deeply missed,” Tully wrote as his final words in the letter for Violante.
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“He was more than a coach, he was a mentor, father figure, and a source of strength for our students and community,” said Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio in a Facebook post honoring Violante. His influence as Dean of Students and Head Football Coach will always be remembered.
According to New York State Police, there is nothing new to report regarding the collision.
