SALAMANCA, N.Y. — An investigation is underway into yet another terrible crash in the Southern Tier which has claimed the lives of three people including two teenagers. It happened Saturday night in Salamanca where hearts are heavy.
The mother of the only survivor of the crash is also speaking out.
Salamanca School Superintendent Mark Beehler confirms that one recent high school graduate and two other current students were among those involved in the Saturday night crash on old Route 17.
As he put it regarding other students "What we need to do now is everything we can to provide support for them to get through it. That really strikes deeply because - a 13 or 14-year-old shouldn't know loss like this"
The Cattaraugus Sheriff's Office also says 27-year-old. Jerry Michael Blum of Franklinville, who owned the pickup truck which struck a tree on the stretch of road, was killed along with the two teenagers.
Investigators say Blum allowed a deceased 17-year-old to drive it and was in the back seat when the crash occurred.
The one teenager who miraculously survived is identified by her mother as 13-year-old Jaleah Wright. She also attends Salamanca Schools and is now being treated at Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo for deep cuts and bruises.
Her mother Lisa Farnham says "She doesn't remember the crash or anything like that. She just remembers they were having a lot of fun before leading up to that. All she remembers is all the events that they were doing. I mean she just remembers the last thing them saying - 'Hailey saying that they just hit a 100' and then that's it. She doesn't remember the crash - going out of the windshield - she doesn't remember any of that."
Farnham adds "Had she not been ejected she obviously wouldn't have been here. But ejected alone - I mean she went 20 feet- that she survived any of that. Even with the injuries she has, they're minimal - actually - I mean no broken bones."
Sadly Lisa Farnham also pointed out "I mean poor choices were made. They were drinking."
Sheriff's deputies confirm open alcohol containers were found at the scene as their investigation continues.
The Salamanca City Central School District also put out a press release regarding the late Saturday night accident.
The district said in a news release, that "a tragic vehicle accident took the lives of three individuals and seriously injured a fourth. A recent Salamanca graduate, a Salamanca high school student, and a resident from Franklinville were killed. An additional Salamanca High School student is hospitalized. Our hearts and prayers go to the families of all involved."
The school had a crisis team of counselors available for students, staff, and community members at Seneca Intermediate School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, July 24. They may be available more days if requested by students and school district staffers who personally knew the victims.
In addition to district resources below are numbers for community support:
- Seneca Nation Behavioral Health Unit (716) 945-9001
- Seneca Nation Child and Family (716) 945-5894
- Cattaraugus County Community Services (716) 945-5211
- Catholic Charities (716) 372-0101
- Connecting Communities in Action (716) 945-1041