Victims of fatal Westchester crash ranged in ages from eight to 17

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Westchester Executive George Latimer. MHNN file photo

WHITE PLAINS – The five victims in early Sunday mornings crash that claimed the lives of five young people ranged in ages from eight to 17. All were Derby, Connecticut residents, believed to have moved from New York City recently.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Monday, identified the victims as the driver, Malik Smith, 16; Anthony Billips, Jr., 17; Zahyniah Cross, 12; Shawell Cross, 11; and eight-year-old Andrew Billips. A sixth person in the car, Abraham Billips, 9, was in the rear of the 2021 Nissan Rogue and was able to escape through the back of the vehicle.

Smith, who was driving the vehicle, did not have a New York or Connecticut driver’s license or permit, Latimer said, said indications are that he was not speeding, but did not follow the curve in the road.

“The evidence on the scene indicates, but subject to final investigation assessment, is that the operator was either distracted or fell asleep,” he said. “The Hutchinson Parkway in that downhill grade and with that bend to the left in the area of the accident is not an area of the Hutchinson River Parkway that has frequent accidents but it does require a driver to stay alert and be able to move with the changes in the roadway.”

Westchester Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor said the accident is not of a criminal natural at this time.




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