Daniel Abbott Obituary, Death – Fatal Head-On Crash in Wyoming County Claims Two Lives
Authorities have identified those involved in a fatal head-on crash that occurred Friday morning in Wyoming County, following a police chase of a stolen vehicle. The incident unfolded after a Warsaw Police Department officer began pursuing a vehicle that had been reported stolen from Long Island. The pursuit began around 8:20 a.m. when the officer received a radio message informing dispatch about the chase of a blue BMW, which was traveling westbound on West Buffalo Street in the village of Warsaw.
The Pursuit and Crash
According to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, the officer confirmed the ongoing chase by radioing in just two minutes later, alerting that the vehicle had crashed on Route 20A in the town of Orangeville, near the Warsaw town line. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officers found that the blue BMW, driven by 19-year-old Sanny Dewan from Buffalo, had collided head-on with an eastbound SUV. The impact was severe, and the BMW was engulfed in flames by the time officers and sheriff’s deputies arrived.
The Victims
The officers quickly extinguished the fire and managed to pull Dewan from the burning vehicle. Despite their efforts, Dewan was taken to Wyoming County Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from the injuries sustained in the crash. The collision also claimed the life of 48-year-old Daniel Abbott, a passenger in the SUV. Abbott was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the SUV, 48-year-old James Stablewski from East Aurora, was critically injured and transported to Erie County Medical Center for treatment. His condition remains serious as he continues to receive medical care.
Investigation and Implications
The crash remains under investigation by the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, with the New York State Attorney General’s Office now involved due to the nature of the incident. Since the deaths occurred as a result of a police pursuit, the Attorney General’s Office is required to review the case, which is a standard protocol for incidents involving law enforcement and fatal outcomes. The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the details surrounding the crash.
Community Response
This tragic event has raised several questions about the risks associated with police chases, particularly when they involve stolen vehicles. While the officer was pursuing Dewan’s BMW after it was identified as stolen, the crash has prompted discussions about the safety of high-speed pursuits and their potential for causing harm to both the public and law enforcement officers. The community is seeking answers and hoping for justice, and the families of the victims are grappling with the loss of loved ones.
Conclusion
As authorities continue their investigation, they are expected to provide additional updates in the coming weeks. The Wyoming County community, as well as the families affected by the crash, await further details and hope that the investigation will provide clarity regarding the cause of the fatal collision.
The involvement of the New York State Attorney General’s Office underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement agencies are treating this case, and the need for transparency and accountability.
