Drunk Driver Kills 3 Family Members Including 4-Year-Old on Niagara Falls Road Trip
A devastating Memorial Day crash in upstate New York claimed the lives of three members of a New Jersey family, including a 4-year-old girl, after their vehicle was violently struck by a drunk driver, authorities confirm.
The fatal collision occurred Sunday morning at the intersection of Route 20A and Maxon Road in Sheldon, roughly 30 miles southeast of Buffalo. The family of nine was traveling west toward Niagara Falls in a Kia Sedona minivan when their vehicle was T-boned by a Dodge Ram pickup driven by 20-year-old Richard Sawicki of Lackawanna, New York.
Investigators say Sawicki ran a stop sign and slammed into the family’s minivan, which was carrying more passengers than the vehicle was designed to hold. Authorities revealed that not all passengers were wearing seatbelts and three 4-year-olds onboard were not secured in car seats.
Three Family Members Die, Including Toddler
Kiara Hernandez, aged 4, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, suffered fatal head injuries and died at a hospital. Her mother, 32-year-old Mayelin Brito-Castro, and grandmother, 47-year-old Ondina Castro De La Cruz, were ejected and pronounced dead at the scene, Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory Rudolph confirmed.
“Anytime a child is involved—and in this case, we had five—it pulls at you. It’s a tragedy,” said Sheriff Rudolph.
Six others, including two more children aged 4, plus children aged 10 and 14, a 26-year-old woman, and a 55-year-old man, were injured and hospitalized. The 55-year-old was later released, but others remain under medical care.
Drunk Driving Charges and Legal Proceedings Underway
Richard Sawicki was arrested on charges including aggravated vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving. After treatment at the hospital, he was held on $200,000 bond and faces a court date set for June 10. Attempts to reach his attorney were unsuccessful as of now.
Neighbors expressed outrage over the incident. Nelson Nunez told reporters, “If you drink, don’t drive. That guy should pay for what he did.”
Emergency Responders Describe Horrific Scene
Audio from emergency dispatchers reveals the severity of the crash. First responders reported multiple children and adults lying in the roadway, and preparations for medical airlift were immediately put in place.
Why This Matters
This tragic event underscores the ongoing dangers of drunk driving, especially during busy holiday weekends when families are traveling. For communities nationwide—from Nevada to New York—this crash serves as a grim reminder of the fatal consequences of impaired driving. The loss of a young child and her family members resonates deeply and calls for heightened awareness and enforcement.
What’s Next
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to piece together details. The surviving injured remain hospitalized, and Sawicki’s legal battles begin at his upcoming court hearing. Families across the country await justice in a case that could have been prevented.
The Nevada Voice will monitor updates on this developing story and provide the latest vital information as it becomes available.
