Community Rallies To Help Family Of Stamford Teen Killed In Crash

STAMFORD, CT — Following a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of two Stamford teens and left four others in serious condition Monday, members of the community have come together to aid the family of one of the victims.

Kymani Pollack, 19, and NiShawn Tolliver, 18, were both passengers in a 2008 Nissan Altima that struck and knocked down two utility poles on Canal Street around 2:30 a.m.

Later that day, a GoFundMe page was set up to help Pollack's family pay for memorial and funeral costs.

"Let's join together to celebrate and commemorate the life of our beloved Ky-Mani Antoine. We can support his family and loved ones at this time with memorial costs to rightfully honor and pay tribute to this young and bright life, gone too soon," the page reads, referencing one of Pollack's nicknames.

As of Tuesday evening, over 80 people have donated to the page and raised more than $3,800 toward a goal of $15,000.

A vigil in honor of both teens is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Canal and Henry streets, the Stamford Advocate reports.

Sgt. Jeffrey Booth said the crash occurred just north of the Canal Street junction with Ludlow Street. After the vehicle hit the two poles and came to a stop, three people were able get out of the car, but three were trapped inside due to live electrical wires falling on top of the vehicle, Booth said.

See also: 2 Teens Killed, 4 Seriously Injured In Stamford Crash

Firefighters had to wait for Eversource to de-energize the lines before they were able to rescue two of them. The third person, later identified as Pollack, was pronounced dead at the scene, Booth said. The other five teens were taken to Stamford Hospital, where Tolliver was pronounced dead, Booth said.

The driver, 18-year-old Jerry Diaz, was taken to the hospital in critical condition, however hospital officials said Tuesday his condition had improved to fair, the Stamford Advocate reports.

Alontia Moore, 20, was taken to the hospital in serious condition, however she is listed in good condition by the hospital, according to the Advocate. Amaiya Callahan, 19, was also taken to the hospital in critical condition, and 19-year-old Erica Stephens was taken to the hospital in serious condition, Booth said.

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