Multiple members of the City of Newburgh Police Department who happened to be passing by stopped to help at a head-on vehicle accident on Route 17 in Goshen on Friday, The Newburgh News has learned. Unfortunately, a young woman’s life was cut short while she was on her way to work.
At approximately 9:27am on Friday, multiple agencies were dispatched to the accident on Route 17 eastbound near mile marker 366, in the area of exit 122. City of Newburgh Police were on scene and immediately began CPR and other life-saving measures on Samantha Turnbull, age 34 from Shohola, PA. However, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Alexandre Lavandero, age 21 from New Rochelle, was operating the other vehicle. He was taken by ambulance to Garnet Medical Center.
The New York State Police, Goshen Fire Department, and Mechanicstown Fire Department responded. Route 17 was closed in both directions while first responders operated at the scene.
According to the State Police, a preliminary investigation revealed that Lavandero was operating a 2016 Honda CRV westbound in the left lane of Route 17 when he lost control of his vehicle, crossed over the median, and struck a Kia Forte which was operated by Turnbull. Troopers and investigators determined that there was no impairment by either driver. The accident remains under investigation.
Turnbull was a cosmetologist at Jessie’s D’Agostino’s Hair Salon in Central Valley, NY. She leaves behind a husband and two daughters.
A GoFundMe page has set up to help raise money for her family. Donations can be made here.
