John Heneghan named as Irishman killed in New York car crash

A memorial service is set to take place for an Irish man and his wife who were tragically killed in a car crash near Albany in upstate New York.

John Heneghan, 33, from Mayo and his wife Caitlyn Holtzman, 32, were killed in a two-car collision with a suspected drunk driver on Memorial Weekend.

A memorial service and cremation of the remains will take place in the USA, before a separate funeral service and interment of ashes in Mayo. Final arrangements will be announced later.

The accident occurred when a car traveling southbound on Route 9 abruptly switched lanes and crashed into the couple’s car, which was also carrying three other passengers, including two Irish men.

Luke O’Doherty and Enda Crowley, both 25, were traveling with Heneghan when the crash occurred, along with American passenger Julia Staples, 24.

Both men sustained serious injuries, but are not thought to be in a life-threatening condition.

All three injured passengers were transported to Albany Medical Center for treatment.

In a statement released after the accident, New York State Police said “Shortly before 3:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, Troopers responded to a motor vehicle accident that occurred at the intersection of State Route 9 and Ushers Rd in the town of Clifton Park.

“A vehicle traveling southbound on State Route 9 left its lane of travel, and struck another vehicle that had been traveling east on Ushers Rd. and was stopped for the traffic light at the intersection of State Route 9.”

The Police statement also confirmed that a man had been arrested following the crash. The 58-year old is being held on counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.

He is currently being remanded in custody before a court appearance on May 29.

A spokesperson for the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said that they were aware of the incident and were providing consular assistance to the family.

H/T: Irish Mirror