Deceased Passenger Identified After Drunk Friend Crashed Vehicle into Utility Pole

UPDATE The deceased passenger from the fatal motor vehicle accident on Lockport Junction Road on July 16th has been identified as 47 year old Rodolfo Espinoza III, of the Town of Newfane.

The investigation is continuing by the NCSO Accident Investigation Unit (AIU).

A Newfane man is facing criminal charges following a fatal crash that claimed the life of his passenger Wednesday night in the Town of Lockport, according to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say 52-year-old Thomas Summers was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado when the vehicle veered off the road and struck a utility pole near 5151 Lockport Junction Road at approximately 7:05pm

A 47-year-old male passenger, also from Newfane, was trapped inside the truck and pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released.

Summers, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was arrested and charged with second-degree vehicular manslaughter and driving while ability impaired by drugs. He was arraigned on Thursday, July 17th.

The crash remains under active investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office.

Deceased Passenger Identified After Drunk Friend Crashed Vehicle into Utility Pole