Officials in Brighton have released more information about the Wednesday morning accident that killed two pedestrians and injured a third.
Brighton Police Chief David Catholdi says that the babysitter who was taking care of the three children and died as result of the crash on Edgewood Avenue has been identified as: 45 year old Elmira Kamilevna Hall.
The two children from Brighton have been identified as: 9-year-old Mila Ruangsuwana, who died in the accident and 2-year-old Evan Ruangsuwana who remains in critical but stable condition at Strong Hospital.
Supt. Kevin McGowan said in a letter posted to the district’s website that, "Mila has been described as an exceptionally loving and caring child with a uniquely happy, grateful, and sweet way. She was adored by her siblings, family, teachers, and many friends."
On Wednesday, Brighton Police said that a car went off the road on Edgewood Avenue on Wednesday morning, first hitting a telephone pole and then a female pedestrian who was walking on the sidewalk with three young children.
A third child was not injured. The driver of the car was identified as Ninoshka Vazquez of Rochester. She had her one-month old child as a passenger in the car. They were not injured.
Catholdi says that the cause of the crash remains under investigation and may takes several weeks for a final determination to be made. He says Brighton Police are awaiting the results of several aspects of the investigation to include the collision reconstruction report which will contain a downloading of the event data recorder or “black box” of the involved vehicle; an examination of the driver’s cell phone; and toxicology results from the driver.
Catholdi says that Brighton PD is working closely with the District Attorney’s Office as the investigation progresses. No arrests or tickets have been issued.
In his latest letter to the district, McGrown said that, “There are simply no words to adequately express our sorrow for Mila’s family.” He says counselors and other support services are being made available to students.
URMC released a statement from Rangsal Ruangsuwana and Irina Statnikova, the parents of the child who was killed.
The two said that:
"Our family appreciates the outpouring of sympathy and support we have received since Wednesday’s tragic accident that claimed the lives of our daughter, Mila, and our nanny; and that seriously injured our son, Evan. We are deeply grateful for the actions of the Brighton Police Department and other first responders, the physicians and staff at Strong Memorial Hospital, the Brighton Central School District, and many friends and neighbors who are helping to care for our family with skill and sensitivity at this terrible time.
We understand that many well-meaning people are interested in Evan’s condition and have other questions. As we thank you for your thoughts and prayers, we also ask that you please respect our privacy. We need time and space to focus on the needs of our family as we deal with this unimaginably heartbreaking situation."
