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Police: Liberty crash that killed 2 teens deemed an accident, second driver involved will not be charged

In an updated press release Monday afternoon, authorities identified the man for the first time as 57-year-old James Wynkoop, of Grahamsville.

Blaise Gomez

Dec 31, 2024, 7:39 PM

Updated 2 days ago

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While loved ones and the community continue to mourn the tragic loss of two teenagers in a crash on Christmas Day, Liberty police are now revealing that no criminal charges or tickets will be issued to the second driver involved.
In an updated press release Monday afternoon, authorities identified the man for the first time as 57-year-old James Wynkoop, of Grahamsville.
They say his pickup truck collided with the teens’ car on Route 52, near Sullivan Avenue, in Liberty. The teens are identified as Hannah Reggio, 17, of Middletown, and Joseph Young, 15, of Fallsburg.
Liberty police say they are continuing to investigate the facts and circumstances leading to the tragic accident with the assistance of state police, the Sullivan County Corner's Office and the Westchester County Medical Examiner's Office.
Meanwhile, both families have seen an outpouring of support from the community in the days since the crash. GoFundMe’s for both teens have raised thousands of dollars.
Reggio’s uncle, Eric Kanoff, wrote in one of the online fundraisers that Hannah‘s impact on those around her was immeasurable.
“Please continue to share photos and memories of Hannah,” Kanoff wrote. “Hannah’s light will continue to shine through the memories and love she left behind.”
Funeral services for both teens will be held this weekend. Additional information on the services can be found here: