Fatal Crash in Amenia Under Investigation, Child dies
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into a two-car fatal crash which occurred on Route 22 in the Town of Amenia at approximately 8:20 am on 10/8/20.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that a 2018 Nissan Sentra operated by Reneisha Johnson (age 26 of Millerton) and occupied by Ellie Dunlop (age 2) was traveling southbound on Route 22 and is stopped in traffic for an uninvolved vehicle making a turn. A 2000 Ford Explorer operated by Forrest McBreairty (age 73 of Amenia) then strikes the Nissan in the rear after failing to observe it stopped. Both occupants of the Nissan are injured, the child seriously, and are initially transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital but then flown to Westchester Medical Center from there. The child later passed away at Westchester Medical Center.
Driver inattention and sun glare are thought to be the primary contributing factors in the crash. The investigation is continuing by the Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau and Crash Investigation Unit, and no charges have been filed at this time. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the New York State Police and Amenia Fire Department, and more information may be released as it becomes available.
