A devastating car crash in Lewis County has left a mother and son dead, a teenage daughter critically injured, and a community reeling from an unthinkable loss.
Natasha Spellicy, 39, of Taberg, and her 16-year-old son, Tyler Spellicy, were both pronounced dead at the scene of a horrific three-vehicle collision Thursday afternoon. The crash occurred shortly after 4 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 12D and State Route 26 in the town of West Turin.
According to New York State Police, Natasha was driving a 2011 Honda Pilot northbound on Route 12D with her two children—Tyler in the back seat and Kylie, 18, in the front—when she failed to stop at the intersection. Her vehicle entered the path of a southbound tractor-trailer operated by 38-year-old Andrew Sommers of Three Mile Bay.
The impact was catastrophic. The tractor-trailer struck the driver’s side of the Honda Pilot, pushing both vehicles southeast before the Honda veered into a ditch. The tractor-trailer then struck a red SUV, driven by 63-year-old Eric Croniser, which was traveling northbound on Route 26.
Natasha and Tyler were killed instantly. Tragically, the family’s three dogs also perished in the crash. Kylie Spellicy was airlifted to Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse, where she remains in serious but stable condition.
Eric Croniser and his passenger, Amanda Croniser, 46, were taken to Wynn Hospital in Utica. Officials report they are in good condition.
No signs of impairment were found in the truck driver, and a Drug Recognition Expert cleared Sommers at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing.
Heartbroken family members took to social media to share their grief and request prayers.
“As most people know, my son Tyler, daughter Kylie, and ex-wife Natasha were in a horrible car accident,” wrote Matthew Spellicy. “Tyler and Natasha did not make it. Kylie was airlifted and is in serious condition. Please pray for Kylie and my family.”
Friend Nichole Vaughn also pleaded for support: “Please keep the Spellicy family in your prayers as they go through this devastating time! This is a parent’s worst nightmare. My heart is so broken for this family. They put out so much GOOD into the world!”
The crash has deeply affected the Taberg community, where Natasha was known as a loving mother and friend. Loved ones are now clinging to hope for Kylie’s recovery while mourning the immense loss of Natasha and Tyler.
As investigators continue to piece together the moments that led to the deadly crash, a family and their community are left grappling with heartbreak, prayer, and the long road ahead.