Kingston woman dies in car crash
The 81-year-old wife of a retired Kingston pastor died Monday afternoon after a one-vehicle accident on state Route 22, officials said.
Authorities said the accident happened at approximately 12:34 p.m. when a southbound 2014 Toyota Corolla driven by 82-year-old Albert R. Ahlstrom of Kingston, former pastor of the Redeemer Lutheran Church on Wurts Street, failed to negotiate a curve just north of Hunt Road. They added that the vehicle crossed over the east shoulder of the road, struck an embankment and some trees before stopping.
Ahlstrom’s wife, Joan E. Ahlstrom, was a passenger in the vehicle. She was transported to Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington, Mass., and was later pro-
nounced dead, according to the sheriff’s office.
Albert Ahlstrom was also taken to the hospital and was treated for chest pain and a cut to his right hand.
On Tuesday, Columbia County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Wayne Lopez said Albert Ahlstrom remains hospitalized with injuries that are not considered life threatening.
Lopez said Albert Ahlstrom told investigators he may have fallen asleep at the wheel and faces “no charges whatsoever.” He said the accident remains under investigation.
Lopez said they were Joan and Albert Ahlstrom were wearing seat belts.
Route 22 was closed for approximately three hours after the accident, according to authorities.
The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Redeemer Lutheran Church on Dec. 1, 2017, with a re-affirmation of wedding their vows. They were married at Messiah Lutheran Church in the Bronx on Nov. 23, 1963.
Albert Ahlstrom, organized and continues to be involved in the weekly Wednesday Classics in Religion series at the Kingston Library, where the public is invited to a discussion with a local religious leader, according to the library website.