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Heartbroken family speaks about crash that killed Highland Mills mother of 9

Donna Maher’s daughter, Margaret Maher, tells News 12 that her mother worked as a newspaper carrier for 25 years and was headed to work at the Publisher’s Circulation Fulfillment Center in Newburgh when she was struck by a car on Route 32.

Blaise Gomez

Dec 4, 2024, 3:28 PM

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The heartbroken family of a 68-year-old Highland Mills mother of nine is speaking out about a crash that killed the woman on her way to work early Monday morning.

Donna Maher’s daughter, Margaret Maher, tells News 12 that her mother worked as a newspaper carrier for 25 years and was headed to work at the Publisher’s Circulation Fulfillment Center in Newburgh when she was struck by a car on Route 32.

Town of Cornwall police say Maher was hit at approximately 2 a.m. while passing through the intersection of Quaker Avenue.

Jayden De La Cruz, from South Nyack, struck Maher’s vehicle as he made a lefthand turn at the traffic light, according to police.

Authorities say the 24-year-old and four of his passengers were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. They say there is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved but that the crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the county medical examiner.

Maher’s daughter says their family is in shock.

“Losing her so suddenly has really been devastating. We are still trying to wrap our heads around the whole situation,” says Margaret Maher.

Donna Maher is survived by her children, 14 grandchildren and numerous other relatives.

“She was a family person. The one always at family events holding the iPad taking pictures,” says her daughter. “She was always there. That’s the hardest part. Just realizing she’s not coming.”

Wake services are planned for Friday at Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral Home in Greenwood Lake from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church in Washingtonville.

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