Driver in Albany Street crash dies as community holds vigil for passenger
UTICA, N.Y (WKTV) - The teen behind the wheel of a car involved in a weekend car crash on Albany Street in Utica has now died as a result of his injuries.
Utica Police said Christopher Swider, 17, of Utica was driving with Stephanie Hawkins, 17, of Holland Patent in the passenger seat and three other teens in the back seat of the car - Justin Kotary, 19, of Holland Patent; Michelle Behlin, 18, of Rome, and Shane Pratt, 19, of Holland Patent. It was around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, when the car containing the teens crashed into a tree near the intersection of Albany Street and South Park Drive in Utica, not far from the Buckley Swimming Pool. Swider and Hawkins were taken to St. Elizabeth Medical Center where they were in critical condition since that night. Hawkins has since been upgraded to serious condition, but Swider died as a result of his injuries Tuesday night. The three other teens involved in the crash suffered non-life threatening injuries. Utica Police said they believe both speed and alcohol were a factor in the crash, but were awaiting toxicology results on Swider's blood to confirm any presence of alcohol. A vigil was held Tuesday night for Hawkins, with family and friends fathering at the Holland Patent Town Park to support one another during what all described as an incredibly trying time. "Stephanie is coming along." said Joel Maron, Hawkins' uncle. According to Maron, the vigil served a dual purpose - raising awareness as well as showing the community the concern for Stephanie. |
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