Hudson Valley Man Admits to Driving Drunk, High During Fatal Crash

A Hudson Valley man admitted that he was high, drunk and speeding when he crashed his truck killing his passenger.

On Monday in Orange County Court, 29-year-old James Black of Kingston pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter in connection with the death of a 37-year-old man who was a passenger in Black’s truck.

On Dec. 22, 2016, Black was driving his pick-up truck on Quaker Street in the Town of Newburgh, when the truck left the roadway and collided into a tree, killing his passenger

At the time of the crash, Black was accused of speeding and under the combined influence of both alcohol and marijuana. His indictment alleged his blood-alcohol level was .19%.

“There is no excuse for driving while intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs,” Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said. “Deaths caused by intoxicated drivers are as tragic as they are preventable. Those who drive while intoxicated, place the public, and themselves, at risk of death and other serious harm, and must be dealt with severely.”

Under the terms of Black’s plea deal, he faces three to 10 years in prison when sentenced on Nov. 27.

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