Two Shenendehowa High School students were killed on the Northway in a car crash late Saturday night, state police said.
Shen seniors Chris Stewart and Deanna Rivers were both killed while junior Matthew Hardy and Shaker High School student Bailey Wind were seriously injured. All of the students were athletes.
During a Sunday afternoon press conference, State Police said Stewart was driving a 2004 Ford Explorer SUV with the students heading northbound on I-87 when 22-year-old Dennis Drue, of Clifton Park, hit Stewart’s car. Drue, driving a 2004 Volvo, struck the rear of Stewart’s car at a high rate of speed, causing both vehicles to leave the roadway. The SUV rolled multiple times off the road, one mile north of the Twin Bridges that is currently undergoing construction.
Police said Drue tested positive for alcohol after a preliminary breath screening test. Drue, who is being treated at Ellis Hospital, had a blood test conducted at the hospital which will determine his exact blood-alcohol level. Drue will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges, police said. No charges have been filed yet.
Police said Drue has a prior history driving record for speeding and a license revocation.
Both Hardy and Wind are being treated at Albany Medical Center.
The students were returning home from the Siena College, UAlbany basketball game at the Times Union Center around 10:19 p.m.
Shenendehowa school officials had a crisis team at the school Sunday morning. Shaker High School will have grief counselors in place at the Counseling Center on Monday, Dec. 3.
