Western New York and the community of Blasdell is mourning the loss of 8-year-old Thomas Ross, who tragically died in a car crash on Saturday night. The young boy, described by his family as vibrant and full of life, was a rear-seat passenger in the vehicle that was struck in the accident.
The incident occurred around 8:10pm along Route 5 near the intersection with North Creek Road. According to the Town of Hamburg Police, an eastbound car on Route 5 had come to a stop to make a left turn onto North Creek Road when it was unexpectedly struck from behind. The driver of the truck that collided with the vehicle was identified as 52-year-old Markus Genovese of Angola.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but tragically young Thomas Ross succumbed to his injuries. Another passenger, a 4-year-old child, was also injured in the crash and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The 4-year-old has since been discharged and is now recovering at home.
Thomas Ross was a second-grade student at Blasdell Elementary School where he was beloved by his friends, teachers, and staff. The Frontier Central School District expressed their deep condolences in a statement released late Sunday night. Superintendent Christopher Swiatek said, "This is a tragic loss for the entire Frontier District, and especially for his friends, teachers, and staff at Blasdell Elementary. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this difficult time."
In response to the devastating news, the school district has arranged for grief counseling to be available to students and staff on Monday, providing support during this challenging period.
Following the collision, Markus Genovese fled the scene but was later apprehended by the Town of Hamburg Police while attempting to hide in a nearby backyard. He was subsequently taken by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center where he was placed under arrest.
Markus Genovese now faces multiple charges including driving while intoxicated (DWI), DWI by the combination of alcohol and narcotics, two counts of vehicular manslaughter, felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and leaving the scene of a fatal auto accident. Additionally, he has been cited for several vehicle and traffic law violations.
Genovese is currently being held without bail, and a felony hearing is scheduled for Thursday in Hamburg Town Court.
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the accident or has any relevant information to come forward and contact Officer Eric Wilson of the Town of Hamburg Police Accident Investigation Unit at 716-648-5111 ext. 2571.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe account has been set up to assist the Ross family with medical and funeral expenses. Those who wish to contribute can do so by visiting the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-heathers-family-through-tragic-loss.
The loss of young Thomas Ross has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the entire community. As they remember him, they hold onto the memory of his favorite color, orange, and the joy he brought to their lives.