UPDATE
Further investigation into this accident has revealed that on August 1, 2017, at approximately 12:35 pm, the victim, 13 year old Lucas Delong and his 12 year old friend, left the Delong residence on River Road, Town of Lysander, en route to the Northwest YMCA, which is also located on River Road, in very close proximity to the Delong residence. While walking southbound on the east shoulder of the road, Lucas noticed that his cat had followed them from his residence and was walking with them.
Lucas picked the cat up and both boys turned around and began to walk north, to return the cat to the Delong residence. Without warning, Lucas quickly entered the northbound lane and collided with a white Chrysler mini-van, driven by Wendy Murray of Cicero. First responders, including but not limited to; Belgium Cold Springs FD, GBAC personnel, as well as concerned citizens, and YMCA staff, attempted life saving measures. Lucas University Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the mini-van has fully cooperated with the investigation and according to witnesses and video surveillance from the YMCA, had no time to react, due to Lucas suddenly entering her lane. At this time, there is no indication that excessive speed played a factor, nor any phone usage, nor drug or alcohol involvement. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident, that did not already speak with police, is asked to call SP Lysander Investigator Tom Quilter at 315-638-8651 or 315-638-8200.
State Police in Lysander are investigating a fatal car/pedestrian crash that occurred August 1, 2017 on River Road in the Town of Lysander.
The investigation has revealed, at approximately 12:45pm, a 2016 Chrysler Town & Country minivan, operated by Wendy L. Murray, age 44, from Cicero, NY was traveling northbound on River Road in the town of Lysander when she approached a pedestrian walking on the east shoulder of River Road. The pedestrian, identified as 13 year-old Lucas C. Delong, from River Road in Lysander ran directly into the path of the van. The driver attempted to swerve, but was unable to avoid striking the teen. Mr. Delong was transported to SUNY Upstate University Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
There is no indication of any alcohol involvement or the driver using a cellphone. The investigation is continuing.