17-Year-Old Driver Faces Manslaughter Charge In Classmate's Death

Crime & Safety

The 3 surviving occupants of the car were seriously hurt, according to New York State Police. All attend Minisink Valley High School.

ORANGE COUNTY, NY — A crash has left one teenager dead and his friend facing felony charges.

On Sunday, at 1:28 a.m., troopers from New York State Police barracks in Wurtsboro were called to a one-car crash on State Route 17, near exit 114 in the town of Mamakating, in Sullivan County.

Investigators say a 2014 white Honda CRV exited the shoulder of the roadway before traveling down a steep ravine and flipping.

All four occupants were removed from the car. Two were flown to Westchester Medical Center in critical condition. One passenger was taken to Garnet Health Medical Center before being transported to Westchester Medical Center.

A 17-year-old passenger, Jack P. Braun, was transported to Garnet Health Medical Center in Wallkill, where he later died.

The 17-year-old driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and it was determined that he was impaired, according to state police. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, two counts of vehicular assault, and driving while intoxicated.

All four occupants of the Honda CRV were Minisink Valley High School students. The Minisink Valley School District has made counselors available to provide additional support for students and staff.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with the student's family and friends during this very difficult time," Superintendent Brian C. Monahan and Principal Kenneth Hauck said in a joint message to students and families. "It's extremely important for members of our school community — particularly our high school community — to have an opportunity to talk through their feelings and reactions. Over the next few days, please encourage your child to talk about how he/she is feeling while you listen attentively to what they're saying and watch their behaviors."

The school administrators said that all homecoming activities scheduled for this week, including spirit week, the pep rally and the homecoming dance have been postponed, "out of respect for what has happened."

State police were assisted by the Bloomingburg Fire Department, Mobile Medic, Hatzolah EMS, Rock Hill EMS, Atlantic Air One and Hackensack Air one.

State police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed the vehicle before the crash to contact the New York State Police at Middletown, at 845-344-5300.