Mepham High School Grad Killed in Westchester Crash

With Rich Scinto (Patch Staff) and Alfred Branch (Patch Staff)

A college student from Bellmore was one of two people killed in an accident on I-95 in Rye on Monday.

Kayla Anne Donnelly-Smith, 22, was standing on the side of the highway with Winter Krzysztof, 61, of Hartford, Conn., when they were both struck by an oncoming car, according to the New Haven Register. The two had been involved in a minor accident when a minivan lost control and fatally struck them, according to New York State Police.

The crash happened at 1:15 p.m. during Monday’s snow and ice storm, police said.

The minivan’s driver, Tai Zhao, 46, of Flushing, was not charged, police said.

Donnelly-Smith was living in Hamden, Conn. and attending Southern Connecticut State University. She was graduated from Mepham High School in Bellmore.

“Our hearts go out to Southern student Kayla Donnelly-Smith’s family and friends....such a terrible loss. Thoughts & prayers are with you,” the university tweeted Tuesday.

The following tribute was posted to the SCSU Cheerleading Facebook page:

Photo via SCSU Cheerleading Facebook

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