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A tragic two-car crash in Union Vale claimed the life of 18-year-old Sarah McAllister from Dover. The accident occurred last Thursday evening (February 27) on Clove Road, north of West Clove Mountain Road. According to the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, McAllister lost control of her 2004 Nissan sedan on a sharp curve, causing it to veer into the southbound lane where it collided with a Ford Ranger pickup truck.
Emergency responders from the Union Vale Fire Department extricated McAllister from her vehicle, and both drivers were transported to local hospitals by Empress Ambulance Service. McAllister was later pronounced dead at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie. The identity of the Ford Ranger driver has not been disclosed.
The sheriff's office indicated that excessive speed, damp road conditions, and aggressive driving were likely contributing factors to the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to contact Detective Twaddell at 845-486-3828 or via email. All information will be kept confidential.
The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude to the New York State Police, the Union Vale Fire Department, and Empress Ambulance Service for their assistance at the scene. For those affected by this tragedy, support is available through local community resources.