A devastating wrong-way collision on the New York State Thruway has claimed the life of a 26-year-old man from Hudson, New Hampshire, just days before his wedding. The tragic incident occurred on February 19, 2025, at approximately 8:44 p.m., when a vehicle traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes collided head-on with the victim’s car.
Incident Details
According to the New York State Police, the accident took place on Interstate 90 westbound in Amsterdam, New York. The driver of the wrong-way vehicle, identified as 59-year-old Veronica Armbruster of Selkirk, New York, was operating her car eastbound in the westbound lanes when she struck a vehicle driven by Cole M. Sevigny, 26, of Hudson, New Hampshire. Both drivers were the sole occupants of their vehicles and sustained serious injuries. They were extricated from their cars and transported to local hospitals for treatment. Tragically, Sevigny was pronounced deceased at Saint Mary’s Hospital.
Road Closures and Investigation
In the aftermath of the collision, all westbound lanes of I-90 between exits 27 and 28 were closed for approximately six hours to facilitate the investigation and collision reconstruction. The New York State Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Armbruster remains hospitalized at Albany Medical Center, listed in critical but stable condition.
Impact on the Community
The loss of Cole Sevigny has deeply affected both his family and the broader community. According to his obituary, Sevigny’s untimely death occurred just before his 27th birthday and upcoming wedding, adding an extra layer of tragedy to the incident. Friends and family remember him as a vibrant individual with a promising future ahead.
Wrong-Way Driving: A Growing Concern
Wrong-way driving incidents, though relatively infrequent, often result in severe consequences due to the high likelihood of head-on collisions. According to the New York State Department of Health, motor vehicle traffic injuries are a leading cause of injury-related deaths in the state. On average, three New Yorkers die each day due to traffic-related crashes. The department’s statistics highlight the severity of the issue and underscore the need for preventive measures.
Preventive Measures and Public Awareness
In response to the increasing number of wrong-way driving incidents, transportation authorities have been exploring various preventive measures. These include the installation of improved signage, road markings, and wrong-way detection systems designed to alert drivers and prevent such occurrences. Public awareness campaigns also play a crucial role in educating drivers about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving, which are often contributing factors in wrong-way crashes.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Cole M. Sevigny serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact that wrong-way driving can have on individuals and communities. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that increased awareness and preventive measures will help reduce the occurrence of such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
