(WNY News Now) – A second driver has been sentenced for his role in a tragic two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a 15-year-old passenger in the Town of Hamburg. Despite objections from prosecutors and the victim’s family, the youthful offender received a reduced sentence.
Buffalo, N.Y. – A 19-year-old male from Williamsville was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in prison after being convicted of contributing to a fatal crash in Hamburg. Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced the sentencing, which took place yesterday before Acting Erie County Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio. The defendant, whose name has been withheld due to his youthful offender status, will also have his New York State driver’s license revoked.
The crash occurred on August 20, 2023, around 11:50 p.m. at the intersection of McKinley Parkway and Quinby Drive. The youthful offender, under the influence of cannabis, was driving a Subaru Forrester that collided with a Chevrolet Express van operated by Justin Trane, 30, who was driving under the influence of alcohol and ran a red light. Both drivers survived the crash with non-life-threatening injuries. However, one of the youthful offender’s passengers, a 15-year-old girl, tragically succumbed to her injuries after being transported to Oishei Children’s Hospital.
The investigation revealed that both drivers were responsible for the crash. Trane was sentenced in August 2024 to six months in jail, followed by five years of probation, after pleading guilty to Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree. His driver’s license was revoked, and he will be required to install an ignition interlock device if his license is restored.
The 19-year-old, who was 18 at the time of the crash, pleaded guilty to Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree in May 2024. Over the objections of prosecutors and the victim’s family, he was granted youthful offender status due to his age, significantly reducing his potential sentence.
Acting DA Keane acknowledged the work of the Town of Hamburg Police Department Accident Investigation Unit, who were instrumental in the case.
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