Driver charged After Passenger Dies in Niagara County Crash

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 taken to the Niagara County Jail where he awaits arraignment.

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

Driver charged After Passenger Dies in Niagara County Crash