SPARROWBUSH – State Police have released the results of a preliminary investigation into a fatal car accident that occurred in the Town of Deerpark on Monday, March 23, at approximately 1:45 p.m.
The investigation revealed that a 2004 Honda had been traveling northwest on State Route 42 and 97 in the Town of Deerpark, NY, while a 2014 Ford was traveling southeast on the same roadway. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Honda, identified as Patricia Desomma, 76, of Warwick, crossed into the southeast lane of travel and struck the Ford head-on.
Desomma and her front-seat passenger, John Desomma, 76, of Warwick, were extricated from the vehicle by emergency responders. John Desomma received life-saving measures at the scene and was transported to Bon Secours Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Patricia Desomma was transported to Garnet Health Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Ford, a 36-year-old woman from Sparrowbush, was also transported to Garnet Health Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
Reached on Wednesday, Sparrowbush Engine Company Assistant Chief Michael Reiser, who arrived on scene within a minute-and-a-half of the emergency call for help, said he and other responders immediately encountered a very serious accident involving entrapment in both vehicles. He said one woman was out of the car, with several others still in the cars.
Fortunately, responders arrived swiftly and immediately began extrication and life-saving measures, including CPR. Reiser said besides all three Sparrowbush chiefs and other extrication and first aid trained members of their department, Port Jervis Fire Department arrived quickly with additional trained responders.
“It was a tough scene, but everyone worked very well together and to the best of their ability to help everyone involved,” Reiser said.
Reiser said the woman from Sparrowbush had just left her nearby home and had her seatbelt on at the time of the accident. He credited her use of a seatbelt with also helping to save her life.
Other agencies providing emergency response including New York State Police, ambulance, police, and fire units responded.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact the State Police in Middletown at 845-344-5300.
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