A devastating crash on a New York highway has left a beloved pastor and his wife dead — and a woman now facing serious charges after police say she was driving under the influence.
The violent chain-reaction crash unfolded on Sunday night around 10:13 p.m. on the Southern State Parkway near Hempstead. When troopers arrived, they found multiple wrecked vehicles scattered across the roadway.
Investigators say the chaos began when a 36-year-old woman driving a Cadillac Escalade sideswiped another car before losing control. Authorities allege she then crossed the center median and ended up driving the wrong way — straight into oncoming traffic.
Moments later, her SUV slammed head-on into a Toyota Highlander.
Inside that vehicle were Donald Maxwell, 82, and his wife, Liscent Maxwell, 88. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Donald Maxwell was a well-known pastor at a church in Far Rockaway, leaving behind a grieving community now mourning the sudden loss.
Police say the horrific crash involved at least six vehicles and ten people. Several victims were rushed to the hospital, including one person in critical condition.
Authorities believe speed and alcohol played a major role in the deadly crash. Reports say the driver was traveling at a high rate of speed and had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit.
She has since been charged with multiple serious offenses, including aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, assault, and driving while intoxicated.
According to reports, the driver admitted to drinking before getting behind the wheel but has pleaded not guilty.
