A pumpkin and some flowers mark the site of a fatal crash on Lishakill Road.
“They came across the yard, hit the tree and something must have cut the front end of the car off,” said Bryan Gebhardt. He owns the home where the car came up on the yard.
Police say that Crystal Vanepps, 21, of Colonie and the car’s driver, Timothy Reichel, 31, also of Colonie were thrown from the car and taken to Albany Medical Center. Vanepps died of her injuries as Reichel was charged with DWI.
People who knew Crystal Vanepps tell us off camera that she leaves behind a young child. Police tell us that they were told she was pregnant with another. She is being described as a good mother, nice person, a big loss.
“I did see a young girl lying there, I thought it was my daughter so I was panicked at that point,” said Gebhardt.
It was not his daughter, but he says the scene was extremely unnerving.
“When I see this crash site right here it makes me so sad that it was someone I knew,” said Renee Chandler.
She did not know Vanepps, but says she did knew Reichel for years. She says he is a father to three children. When she heard he was involved, she was shocked.
“It’s an unfortunate thing that happened but I hope it’s a lesson that teaches young kids and people not to drink and drive,” said Chandler.
“My heart goes out to that family, both families for this tragedy,” said Gebhardt.
Reichel was taken to Albany Medical Center with leg, hip and facial injuries. Police say speed may also have been a factor in this crash. Other charges are pending as police continue to investigate.
If you have any information on this crash Colonie Police want you to call them at 783-2744.
How fucking sad. I went to high school with Crystal, and she was actually in one of my classes every year from 9-12. I was absolutely speechless when I read that she was killed last night.
Rest In Peace.