The Hamburg community was left reeling after a fatal two-vehicle collision in August resulted in the tragic death of a 15-year-old passenger. Now, months later, the driver responsible for the crash faces serious charges, shedding light on the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. Justin T. Trane, a 29-year-old resident of Lewiston, appeared before Hamburg Town Court Justice Carl W. Morgan to face charges related to the fatal crash. He was arraigned on one count of second-degree vehicular manslaughter and two counts of driving while intoxicated (DWI). Additionally, Trane faces vehicle and traffic law violations for speeding and running a red light. Are
The Collision: A Tragic Outcome
The collision occurred at the intersection of McKinley Parkway and Quinby Drive, where Trane’s Chevy van collided with a Subaru Forester. Trane was traveling north on McKinley Parkway when he crashed into the Forester, which had pulled out of a parking lot and entered the northbound lane. Tragically, a teenage passenger ièh n the Forester, 15-year-old Claire S. Rybij of Hamburg, was critically injured and later succumbed to her injuries at Oishei Children’s Hospital. In addition to Claire’s tragic death, the driver of the Forester sustained injuries to his head, face, and pelvis, while a 16-year-old passenger suffered a concussion and lacerations. Trane himself suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC).
A Family’s Grief: Remembering Claire Rybij
Following Trane’s arraignment, Claire’s family released a heartfelt statement expressing their grief and condemning the actions that led to her death. They emphasized that driving under the influence is not a mistake but a conscious choice with devastating consequences. The loss of Claire has left a deep void in their family, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. According to prosecutors, Trane was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. They allege that he was speeding and ran a red light, contributing to the collision that claimed Claire’s life. As the legal process unfolds, Trane will face accountability for his actions, providing a semblance of justice for Claire’s family and the Hamburg community.
Community Impact: A Call for Awareness
The fatal crash has reverberated throughout the Hamburg community, prompting discussions about road safety and the dangers of driving under the influence. Claire’s untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating impact of reckless behavior behind the wheel. As the community mourns her loss, there is a renewed commitment to preventing similar tragedies in the future. As the legal proceedings continue, the memory of Claire Rybij remains at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Her tragic death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the need for vigilance on the roads. While nothing can erase the pain of her loss, her memory will endure as a symbol of the importance of prioritizing safety and responsibility behind the wheel. The community of Hamburg was shaken by a tragic two-vehicle collision in August that resulted in the loss of a 15-year-old passenger’s life. Now, the legal aftermath of the incident unfolds as charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated (DWI) have been brought against a Lewiston man involved in the crash.
Legal Proceedings: Justin T. Trane’s Arraignment
Justin T. Trane, 29, appeared before Hamburg Town Court Justice Carl W. Morgan to face charges related to the fatal collision. Trane was arraigned on one count of second-degree vehicular manslaughter and two counts of driving while intoxicated, along with additional vehicle and traffic law violations for speeding and running a red light. According to prosecutors, the collision occurred on August 20 at the intersection of McKinley Parkway and Quinby Drive in Hamburg. Trane was driving a Chevy van north on McKinley Parkway when it collided with a Subaru Forester exiting a parking lot and entering the northbound lane. Tragically, a teenage passenger in the rear of the Forester, 15-year-old Claire S. Rybij of Hamburg, suffered fatal injuries in the crash.
Injuries and Consequences
The driver of the Forester and another passenger sustained injuries in the collision. While the driver was treated for head, face, and pelvis injuries at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), the front-seat passenger, a 16-year-old girl, was treated for a concussion and lacerations at Oishei Children’s Hospital. Trane, who was the sole occupant of the van, also sustained injuries in the crash but was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at ECMC. Claire’s family is grappling with the profound loss caused by the tragic incident. In a statement released by Claire’s aunt, Nancy Herdic, following Trane’s arraignment, the family expressed their devastation and emphasized the consequences of driving under the influence. Some might call this a mistake. No. It is a consequence of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. It is a choice that resulted in tragedy and heartache for a large family who loved Claire dearly. This time the choices resulted in tragedy,” the statement read.
Legal Allegations: Under the Influence
Prosecutors allege that Trane was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. Furthermore, he is accused of speeding and running a red light at the intersection, contributing to the severity of the crash and the tragic loss of life. As the legal proceedings continue, the community mourns the loss of Claire Rybij and grapples with the devastating consequences of impaired driving. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible and sober driving to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future
