Grand Island Fire Co.: Driver dies in head-on crash

By Ray Pauley

Public Information Officer, Grand Island Fire Co.

At 6:10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, Grand Island Fire Co. rescue personnel responded to a two-car motor vehicle accident on Stony Point Road, between Bedell Road and Regency Drive.

Fire Chief Matt Osinski stated this horrific head-on crash injured all three occupants, who were all evaluated and treated by GIFC paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Jeremy Wallens, a 37-year-old Island resident, sustained severe trauma injuries and, despite the best efforts of the GIFC paramedics, he succumbed to his injuries after he was transported by Twin City Ambulance to the Erie County Medical Center.

A 47-year-old passenger in that vehicle, Lori Niemann, also of Grand Island, sustained lesser injuries and was also transported by TCA to ECMC for follow-up treatment. The driver of the second vehicle, 23-year-old Brandy Whiting of Grand Island, was transported by TCA to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for precautionary treatment.

All GIFC units returned to service by 9:21 p.m., when the New York State Police concluded their accident investigation and Stony Point Road was reopened to normal traffic.