Two Bethlehem families are in mourning following a one-vehicle car accident that killed two teenagers and critically injured a third.
Jacqueline McHugh, 16, of Chrisken Drive, Glenmont, and Alexander Gould, 17, of Jacob Drive, Delmar, were killed when the car they were in struck a tree off Meads Lane Friday evening, Nov. 23, after veering off the road. A third person in the 1992 Acura, Brian Wood, 16, of Beacon Road, Glenmont, who was in the back seat of the car at the time of the accident, is listed in critical condition at Albany Medical Center.
Bethlehem police believe speed was a contributing factor in the crash, which continues to be under investigation. The accident occurred around 9:30 p.m. Friday and has shocked many in the Bethlehem School District.
Our entire school community is saddened and diminished by the loss of Jacqueline McHugh and Alexander Gould, said school Superintendent Les Loomis.
McHugh was a junior at Bethlehem High School who, according to Principal Chuck Abba, was very popular among her peers and friends and `very well respected.`
`She just had a special warmth,` said Loomis.
McHugh was a Votech student and studied computer applications. She was also employed at Delmar Place where she worked part-time serving residents in the dining room.
`Jackie was a fabulous employee,` said Donna Sickler, executive director of Delmar Place.
`She had a fun, gentle way about her and she really epitomized living life to its fullest. We are deeply saddened by the loss to our residents.`
School officials called Gould a real `success story` and someone who was able to complete his GED exam through his determination and hard work.
`He loved art and had a special ability as an artist,` said Loomis. `He was always straightforward and respectful to everyone around him.`
Gould loved music and art and was almost never without his very close friend, McHugh.
The high school crisis intervention team is being made available to students in need of support. Bethlehem police Lt. Thomas Heffernan said both McHugh and Gould, the front seat passengers, were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. Officials could not determine if Wood was wearing his. Toxicology reports will not be back for several weeks.
`The accident reconstruction could take several days to determine if there were other contributing factors,` said Heffernan.
Meads Lane, a long country road where sheep and cows graze in open meadows on farms that stretch out towards the peaceful hills beyond, was closed to traffic for several hours after the accident.
Gould is survived by his mother Cindy, father Keith, twin sisters Katie and Aimee, his sister Alicia and his younger brother Jacob, grandparents and extended family.
McHugh is survived by her parents, Bernie and Kim McHugh, a brother, Brendan, a sister, Heather, and grandparents.
Funeral arrangements for both McHugh and Gould will be conducted by The Applebee Funeral Home of Delmar. AServices for McHugh were held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar on Tuesday. A funeral for Gould is scheduled for Wednesday, November 28.“