GOSHEN – An investigation by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office into the December 16, 2022 fatal accident in the City of Newburgh in which a paramedic was struck and killed by a vehicle was “a tragic accident not a crime,” District Attorney David Hoovler said Wednesday.
Fifty-five-year-old Lisa Sillins died after being struck around 6:18 p.m. by a van driven by a White Plains man as she walked across Route 9W near the intersection of North Street.
Newburgh City Police recovered digital recordings of the collision that showed it from various angles. “It appears from the recordings that the pedestrian, who was wearing dark colored clothing and was not walking in a nearby crosswalk, stepped in front of the van as it drove by,” said Hoovler.
“This was a tragic accident which claimed the life of someone who had devoted their life to helping others,” the DA said. “It is clear from the toxicology report and the digital evidence that no charges should be brought against the driver. No alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medication was found in the blood of the driver, and the digital recording shows no traffic infractions,” Hoovler said.
He said traffic tickets that were originally issued in the incident have been dismissed.
The DA’s investigation found the driver had stopped immediately after the accident, cooperated with police and consented to have a blood sample drawn for analysis.
“The results of that analysis showed evidence that the driver had not consumed any alcohol or any legal or illegal drugs, cannabis, or marijuana, which would have affected his ability to drive,” Hoovler said.
“As district attorney it is my duty not just to prosecute the guilty, but to protect the innocent,” he said.
