Hudson Valley Man Killed by Drunk Driver While Walking to School, Police Say
A Dutchess County man attending college in Westchester was killed after he was hit by a woman who was allegedly driving drunk.
Robby Schartner, 21, of Fishkill was walking back to Manhattanville College when he was hit by car around 5 a.m. Sunday in White Plains.
Schartner was pronounced dead on the scene. 24-year-old Emma Fox of Rye is accused of hitting Schartner. She drove for three blocks after the accident, before pulling over to look at the damage and call police, NBC reports.
Fox was charged with vehicular manslaughter and aggravated DWI. Her blood alcohol level was 0.21, almost three times over the legal limit, police say.
Schartner played college lacrosse at Manhattanville. His college bio says he’s from Brookfield, Connecticut and attended high school in Brookfield. Many media outlets, including NBC, reports that Westchester County Police say Schartner is from Fiskhill.
"In his three years as a men's lacrosse player Robert earned his spot on the team the hard way. It was not easy for him, but the sacrifices he made inspired the team and epitomized what it means to be a scholar-athlete at Manhattanville,” Manhattanville President Michael Geisler stated. “The level of Robert's commitment to his team could never come into question; whatever he was asked to do, he did with a smile on his face. That was his understanding of what it means to be a true teammate. He loved the sport of lacrosse, he loved his teammates and he loved being a Manhattanville lacrosse player. … We are all in shock and we extend our prayers and condolences to his family members and friends."
A GoFundMe page was started to help support Schartner’s family. “We are beyond shattered at the news of our youngest brother’s life being taken by a drunk driver,” the family wrote on the GoFundMe page. “This loss is pure devastation to our family and his friends as we prepare to say our unexpected final goodbyes. We appreciate all of the love, support and outreach. Hug your loved ones.”