Community Mourns Loss of 7-year-old Noah

Mrs. Everts, North Tonawanda Middle School

A tragic car accident in Lancaster claimed the life of 7-year-old Noah Whitmore on Tuesday afternoon, leaving his family devastated.

Authorities reported that the accident occurred around 2:50pm near Broadway, in the vicinity of Bowen Road and Towne Square Drive. A vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a tree. Emergency responders transported young Noah to the hospital where he succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident.

Noah was a second-grade student at Cayuga Heights Elementary School. In response to the tragedy, Interim Superintendent of Depew Union Free Schools, Jeffrey Rabey, expressed his condolences and assured that a crisis response team is available to provide support for students and staff.

By Wednesday, members of the community had begun to visit the crash site leaving heartfelt tributes such as flowers and teddy bears in Noah’s memory.

His mother, Carly Benavides, created a Facebook group dedicated to sharing cherished memories and photos of her son. In her post, she wrote:

“It would mean more than you can imagine to be able to see and treasure the moments of his sweet but short life, so we can be reminded of how precious life is, and how we should never take a single moment for granted.”

Noah leaves behind his mother, father, 5-year-old sister Lilah, and his grandfather, Elias Benavides. Reflecting on his grandson, Elias described Noah as a joyful and humorous child who brought endless laughter to those around him.

Carly, who works as a registered nurse at Buffalo General Medical Center, received the heartbreaking call while she was at work.

Police confirmed that the driver of the vehicle, a 29-year-old man, is cooperating with the investigation. No charges had been filed as of Thursday.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Lancaster Police at (716) 683-2800 extension 223.

To help support Noah’s family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe was created to support the family. If you would like to donate, you can do so here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-carly-benavides-and-family-after-loss-of-son-noah

A vigil in Noah’s honor will take place at 7:15pm Thursday at 5849 Broadway where all community members are welcome to pay their respects.

Community Mourns Loss of 7-year-old Noah