Police: Drunk Driver Kills Hudson Valley Man in Wrong-Way Crash

An alleged drunk man is accused of causing a fatal wrong-way crash that killed a Hudson Valley man and left two seriously hurt.

Download the Hudson Valley Post App

In Mid-October New York State Police began investigating a fatal crash that occurred around 10:15 p.m. on Route 17 at exit 103 in the town of Thompson.

A 2015 Toyota, driven by Patrick Collins, 50, of Pennsylvania, drove the wrong way in the westbound lane and hit a 2002 Honda which was traveling in the right direction, police say.

The driver of the Honda, 33-year-old Luis Diaz of Monticello, was pronounced dead on the scene. His passenger, 27-year-old Cynthia Acevedo of Monticello, and Collins were airlifted to the Westchester Medical Center with undisclosed injuries.

As police continued their investigation, they allege Collins was driving drunk.

On Thursday, Collins was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, a felony, and driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor.

Police haven't updated the condition of Acevedo.