Headlines: Christmas crash driver remains critical, ditch death under investigation, woman dies in cliff fall

Here are some stories making headlines across the Hudson Valley.

News 12 Staff

Dec 28, 2023, 11:53 AM

Updated 286 days ago

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Here are some stories making headlines across the Hudson Valley.
Authorities have released the identity of the driver involved in the Christmas crash that left nine people injured in Crawford. The driver has been identified as 42-year-old Victoria Bayne from New Paltz. Presently, Bayne remains in critical condition following the incident. Reports from the police indicate that Bayne was driving with seven passengers when their vehicle collided with another car close to the entrance of Route 52. Subsequently, all individuals involved were transported to the hospital for medical attention.
A coroner is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man discovered in a drainage ditch in Warwick. Authorities have indicated that there are no apparent signs of trauma or evidence suggesting that he was struck by a vehicle. Despite this, investigators suspect the individual to be a man in his mid-30s who had been reported missing since Dec. 16. There are indications that he may have been employed in the local area. However, the exact cause of death remains undetermined pending the results of toxicology tests. Anyone possessing information pertinent to this case is urged to contact detectives at (845) 986-5000.
A woman tragically passed away after falling from a cliff at Minnewaska State Park in Ulster County. Investigators revealed that two individuals from Singapore were hiking along the Beacon Hill Trail last Friday when they stopped to capture photos near the cliff's edge. Tragically, the woman lost her footing and fell approximately 70 feet from the precipice. Her husband immediately contacted emergency services, and a helicopter airlifted her to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries and passed away.