Farmingdale 'Deeply Mourns' Educators Killed In Bus Crash: Superintendent

FARMINGDALE, NY — The Farmingdale community is mourning the deaths of high school band director Gina Pellittiere and retired teacher Beatrice "Bea" Ferarri.

The two were killed in Thursday's crash in Orange County, as a bus carrying them and Farmingdale High School marching band students tumbled into a 50-foot ravine around 1:10 p.m. Thursday. Five students were critically injured and more than 40 were injured.

"It is difficult to express the sadness and grief that the Farmingdale School District and I feel over the tragic events that unfolded earlier and the horrific experience our students endured," Farmingdale Superintendent Paul Defendini said in a statement. "We deeply mourn the passing of our inspiring faculty and Band Director, Gina Pellittiere, and the heart and soul of our marching band program, Beatrice 'Bea' Ferarri."

Six buses were transporting the Dalers marching band for its annual band camp trip to Pine Valley Camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania when one of the buses crashed. Gov. Kathy Hochul said a faulty front tire was "likely" responsible.

Passengers reunited with their families at Orange County Community College’s Diana Physical Education Building in Middletown, NY.

The Farmingdale School District worked with the New York state and Nassau County police departments to arrange a police escort so families could get to their children as quickly as possible.

"We are grateful to the first responders who arrived at the scene to care for those involved in the crash," Defendini said.

The high school was open on Friday, where counselors and support staff were made available to students, faculty and staff.

"We understand that each of us will grieve in our own way," Defendini said. "I shared with our students earlier and our staff ... the best thing we can do is to give hugs and make sure each and every person in this community has the support they need. We are here tomorrow and in the days to follow to provide that level of support. Our unconditional love and support goes out to all who are struggling. Farmingdale’s strength is in its unity, and that is needed most during times of tragedy."

All Nassau County, Town of Oyster Bay and Farmingdale Village flags were ordered to half-staff starting Saturday until sunset of the day Pellettiere and Ferrari are laid to rest. The effort was coordinated by Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, and Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand.

"We continue to keep the students and the entire community in our prayers, remaining 'Daler Strong,'" Blakeman said in a statement.

The district asked people to respect the privacy of students and their families.

"The events that transpired will live with each of us in the days to come," Defendini said. "We will get through this like we get through any difficult situation, together as one Daler family."