HARTWICK FOOTBALL STAR

DIES IN SAUGERTIES CRASH

SAUGERTIES – Dante Crump, 22, a senior at Hartwick College and a member of the Hartwick Hawks football team, died Wednesday morning after the car he was riding in slid down an embankment at 11:30 a.m.  in the Village of Saugerties.

“The Hartwick College community, and the football family especially, is devastated by the loss of Dante Crump. He was a valued member of our squad the past three seasons, and beloved by his teammates and coaches. Dante will be greatly missed. At this time we ask that you respect the privacy of his family as well as the team as we cope with the loss and prepare for the school year and season ahead,” said Hartwick  Football Coach Mark Carr in a statement this afternoon.

According to Police Chief Joseph Sinagra,  Meredith McSpirit, 19,  was driving Crump,  Adam McQueen, 22, of Ulster Park, Kaireem Meeks Jr., 24, of Kingston and Jante Clark, 26, of Kingston, home from the HITS on the Hudson Horse Show facility when she failed to make a right turn on Montgomery Street, where Washington Avenue ends.  The 2002 Honda Accord went straight, across a private driveway and down a 110 foot embankment, striking the house at 76 Dock Street before coming to rest upside down.

McSpirit survived with non-life-threatening spinal cord injuries and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, but the other three were pronounced dead a the scene.

Plans for a candlelight vigil are forthcoming.  Check back for details.

KINGSTON DAILY FREEMAN:  Online campaign raises thousands for funeral