USA TODAY International Edition
Victim’s text: Limo in ‘terrible condition’
NY Gov. Cuomo says vehicle was unfit for road
One of the victims of the upstate New York limousine crash that killed all 18 aboard had texted concerns about the “terrible condition” of the limo less than 20 minutes before tragedy struck, her aunt says. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday that the limousine, owned by Prestige Limousine, didn’t have the necessary federal certification to operate and failed a state inspection last month. The vehicle was “not supposed to be on the road,” he said. Authorities continued to investigate the crash on a winding road in rural
“These were friends just starting their lives, getting married, and this is how it ended ... It’s a tragic loss of beautiful souls.” Valerie Abeling, whose niece, Erin McGowan, and Erin’s husband, Shane, were among victims
Schoharie, about 160 miles north of New York City. The limo was bound for a birthday party at a Cooperstown brewery. Two pedestrians also were killed. Valerie Abeling said her niece, Erin McGowan, 34, and Erin’s husband, Shane, 30, were among the limo victims. Abeling’s daughter was busy and couldn’t join the party, a scheduling conflict that probably saved her life. Abeling told The Washington Post that Erin sent a text complaining about the condition of the limo, a last-minute replacement after a bus hired to shuttle the group broke down. The National Transportation Safety Board and State Police are investigating. NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said the limo’s roadworthiness was a factor that will be studied. Erin, who worked in a pediatrician’s office, and Shane, who worked for Miracle Ear, were married in June. “These were friends just starting their lives, getting married, and this is how it ended,” Abeling said. “It’s a tragic loss of beautiful souls.” Authorities had not revealed the names of victims, pending confirmation of identifications and notification of family members. Some of those family members shared their stories. Many of the victims were from Amsterdam, a city of less than 20,000 people 25 miles north of the crash site. State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara called the crash a “devastating event impacting all parts of our community.” Four of those killed were sisters, three of whom died with their husbands. Axel and Amy Steenburg, newlyweds from Amsterdam, had rented the limo, Axel Steenburg’s stepfather told The New York Times. The group had gathered to celebrate Amy Steenburg’s 30th birthday. In a Facebook post three days before the crash, Amy professed her love for Axel. “I just wanted to say Axel Steenburg I love you more than words can say!” Amy wrote. “Thank you for being so kind and loving xo #justbecause #husband.” Amy’s sister Abigail and husband Adam Jackson, sister Mary and husband Rob Dyson and sister Allison King also died, the women’s aunt said. “They did the responsible thing, getting a limo so they wouldn’t have to drive anywhere,” Barbara Douglas said. “They were wonderful girls. They’d do anything for you, and they were very close to each other, and they loved their family.” Andrea Hojohn Orokos started a GoFundMe page for the family of Axel and his brother. “Saturday, Rich, Axel and other friends and family passed in an unfortunate party bus accident,” she wrote. “It is beyond devastating for everyone who knew them all. Please help ease the burden during this time and help donate to funeral expenses.” Amanda Halse, 26, and her boyfriend, Patrick Cushing, 31, also died in the limo, Halse’s sister Karina told “Good Morning America.” They had been dating for about a year, she said. “She was such a charismatic person, and she just wanted to make sure everyone was happy,” Karina Halse said. Cushing, who worked in Albany at the state Senate’s technology office, was an “extraordinary” employee and “wonderful young man,” state Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan said. Suzanne Douglass said her nephew, Matthew Coons, died. She said he had “a golden heart” and “made you laugh so hard until you cried.” State Police First Deputy Superintendent Christopher Fiore said the limo ran a stop sign and slammed into a parked SUV and the two pedestrians before crashing to a halt in a ditch. Neither Fiore nor Sumwalt would say how fast the limo was going or whether those aboard wore seat belts. Sumwalt said the investigation was a priority and would be thorough.