Elijah E. Holmes, John E. Kemp Death – Four Lives Lost in Tragic Car Accident on Route 5
The names of the four individuals who lost their lives in a car accident on Route 5 early Sunday morning have been released by town police.
The victims are identified as Elijah E. Holmes, 24; John E. Kemp, 24; and siblings Nyvon Irizarry, 25, and Quiessence Irizarry, 24.
All four were residents of Schenectady. According to Glenville Police Chief Stephen Janik, the severity of the crash has made it challenging for investigators to determine who was driving the 2022 Honda Accord involved in the accident.
The collision, which occurred around 3:20 a.m. near Waters Road, involved a sedan and two SUVs. The vehicle in question went airborne, struck several trees, and landed in a ditch.
The crash left the front of the vehicle severely damaged. Chief Janik indicated that speed is likely a contributing factor to the crash, though a thorough investigation is necessary to confirm this.
The police are also seeking a potential Facebook livestream video taken from another vehicle, as they have received fragmented information circulating on social media.
Janik cautioned that online speculation can often lead to distractions and false leads, complicating the investigation. The initial report of the crash came from a witness who saw the vehicle roll into the woods.
This report was made after the witness arrived in Schenectady. In the aftermath of the crash, officers had to physically restrain friends and family of the victims who tried to reach the embankment where the car ended up.
Chief Janik described the scene as chaotic but understandable given the circumstances. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events leading up to the accident.
The community is mourning the loss of the four young lives, and support is being offered to the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time.
