The Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School community is grieving after the tragic death of 2014 graduate Courtney Mahar.
The 26-year-old was one of two people killed in a fiery multiple-vehicle crash on I-90 in the Town of Guilderland last Wednesday while on her way to work in Albany, where she worked as a designer for Envision Architect.
Monday, at the C-R school board meeting, President Bruce Tryon asked for a moment of silence for Ms. Mahar.
“Courtney was a 2014 graduate who will be fondly remembered by all,” Mr. Tryon said.
“Through these difficult times, all of us in the district hold Amy and Dan’s family and friends in our hearts.”
Ms. Mahar was a member of the C-R National Honor Society, band, and volleyball team.
Her mother, Amy, teaches at C-R.
Also killed in the crash was 33-year-old Brian Harper of Rotterdam.
According to State Police, Larousse Desrosiers, 53, of Boston, Massachusetts was operating a 2012 Freightliner (Amazon Prime) tractor-trailer eastbound on I-90 just before 8am on Wednesday, April 6 when traffic began to slow because of congestion between Exit 24 Albany and Exit 25 Schenectady.
Mr. Desrosiers was unable to avoid the traffic, Troopers said, and subsequently struck five passenger vehicles, coming to rest after crashing into the fifth and final vehicle, Ms. Mahar’s 2016 Volkswagon, causing both vehicles to catch fire.
Ms. Mahar was pronounced dead at the scene by the Albany County Coroner and taken to Ellis Hospital pending an autopsy.
Her name was released Friday.
Mr. Harper, who was operating a 2014 BMW, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr. Desrosiers was not injured and was transported to State Police Latham, where he was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert.
Troopers said impairment does not appear to be a contributing factor in the crash.
They continue to investigate the crash and possible charges are pending.
Any witnesses are asked to contact Investigator Matthew Spickler, State Police Latham, (518) 724-7565.
Also injured:
Samantha Bonanno, 35, of Amsterdam, driving a 2017 Ford Escape, who was transported to Ellis Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Amanda Clark, 34, of Schenectady, driving a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and transported to St. Peter’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
James Fox, 50, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, operating a 2017 Audi, and transported to Albany Medical Center for serious injuries and was listed in critical condition.
A passenger in the Audi, Anthony Squillo, 33, of Glenville, who was also transported to Albany Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.