Seneca County Sheriff W. Timothy Luce reports a one car motor vehicle accident occurred on February 24, 2023, at about 5:33pm, in the area of State Route 89 and Frontenac Road in the Town of Covert. The vehicle, a 2008 Chevrolet Impala, was northbound on Route 89 when it suddenly left the east shoulder striking a culvert and multiple trees. The vehicle ultimately came to rest at the bottom of a deep embankment where it landed in a small body of water. The driver, Kymbra M. McLaughlin, age 45, of 600 Warren Road, Apartment 61F, Ithaca, New York, suffered an extensive hand injury and was transported to Upstate Medical Center by Trumansburg Ambulance. A passenger in the vehicle, Ellamae McLaughlin, age 9, suffered extensive injuries and was transported to Cayuga Medical Center by Trumansburg Ambulance where she later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead. Two other passengers in the vehicle, Makaila B. McLaughlin, age 12, and Isabella C. Cotto, age 12, suffered minor injuries and were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by South Seneca Ambulance. The vehicle was demolished and was towed from the scene.
The Trumansburg Fire Department, Interlaken Fire Department, Ithaca Fire Department, and Ovid Fire Department also responded to the scene. Rescue efforts were extremely challenging and rope rescue teams were deployed to the scene. The Sheriff’s Office was additionally assisted by the New York State Police and the Seneca County E-911 Center.
The accident remains under investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Thompson at (315) 220-3449.
Seneca County
Sheriff
New York