An elderly Jamaica-born couple were killed in a six-car pile-up on the Southern State Parkway in Long Island last Sunday night, in a crash authorities say was caused by an impaired driver.
Dead are Donald Maxwell, 82, and his wife Liscent B. Maxwell, 88. Bishop Maxwell was the general overseer of the Pentecostal City Mission Church in Far Rockaway, while his wife served as a minister in the church.
The couple, who lived in Westbury, were passengers in a 2016 Toyota Highlander travelling eastbound when the crash occurred around 10:30 p.m., according to police.
Authorities say an out-of-control Cadillac Escalade crossed the median into oncoming traffic, striking multiple vehicles before crashing head-on into the Highlander carrying the Maxwells.
Police identified the driver of the Escalade as Diana Kutateladze, 36, of Oceanside. She has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, multiple counts of vehicular manslaughter, assault, driving while intoxicated and reckless driving.
Her husband, who was a passenger in the vehicle, remains in hospital in serious condition. Several others were treated for injuries.
According to police, 10 people across six vehicles were involved in the crash, which occurred near the town of Hempstead in Nassau County. Most of those injured suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
In a statement, New York State Police said officers responded to reports of “a multi-vehicle collision” at approximately 10:13 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, and found multiple disabled vehicles in the eastbound lanes.
An initial investigation found Kutateladze had been driving westbound when her vehicle allegedly “sideswiped a gray BMW traveling in the left lane.”
“Kutateladze subsequently lost control of the vehicle, crossed the center median and continued traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes, striking multiple vehicles,” police stated. “The Escalade then struck a 2016 black Toyota Highlander head on.”
Police confirmed that speed and impairment were likely contributing factors in the crash.
Reports indicate Kutateladze was travelling at about 70 mph and had a blood alcohol content of .10, above the legal limit. She has pleaded not guilty after appearing in court in Hempstead.
The deaths of the Maxwells have prompted an outpouring of grief from members of their church community.
On parishioner wrote on Facebook: “Woke this morning to hear you’re not with us Bishop Maxwell and wife. Gone too soon. Can’t believe just spoke to you last Sunday … now you’re no longer going to be here. Condolence to the church family.”
Bishop Maxwell has been identified by authorities and friends as a long-time church leader. Though he left Jamaica decades ago, he remained closely connected to the island.
On his church’s website, a message remains appealing for assistance following Hurricane Melissa.
“Please help the Pentecostal City Mission Churches in Jamaica to support their communities and rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa,” the message reads.
“These resources will be used by the churches to purchase food and supplies for families in their local communities and to support rebuilding efforts.”
The Pentecostal City Mission Church describes itself as a community committed to communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ to all people, irrespective of race, colour, gender and economic status.
