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Over the weekend, two tragic crashes occurred in Albany, leading to multiple fatalities. On Sunday (October 12), police arrested 25-year-old Imahjai Sutherland on charges of drunk driving, aggravated vehicular homicide, and manslaughter after her vehicle veered off Interstate 787 near Exit Five. The crash resulted in the deaths of two passengers, Jamilla N. Tirado, 27, and Cepelynn T. Johnson, 25, both from Albany. Sutherland was treated for severe injuries at Albany Medical Center before being taken into custody and held without bail, as reported by Times Union.
Approximately two hours earlier, another fatal incident occurred on the same highway. An SUV traveling the wrong way collided head-on with a car driven by 38-year-old Eric Hurley, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The wrong-way driver, identified as 44-year-old Lewis Thomas from Coxsackie, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and remains hospitalized, according to New York State Police.
The authorities are continuing their investigations into both crashes. Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon noted that alcohol was a factor in both incidents. The northbound lanes of I-787 were temporarily closed for reconstruction but have since reopened. As of Monday afternoon, no charges have been filed in the wrong-way crash, as reported by NEWS10 ABC.