High School Student Dies in Monday Car Crash

A single car fatal accident on Route 6 in the Town of Wawayanda killed Mauricio Heredia, 17, of Middletown.

State police came upon his car, overturned and off the roadway, while on routine patrol.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle travelling westbound on US Route 6 near Kourtney Lane lost control and left the roadway off of the south shoulder, entering a ditch, striking a rock and overturning before striking another rock and landscaping blocks, police said. The operator, Heredia, a senior at Minisink High school, was pronounced dead at the scene.

State police were assisted by Slate Hill Fire Department who extricated the operator from the vehicle.

The Minisink Valley Central School District made psychologists and counselors available to the shocked students and staff.

Minisink High School Principal Ken Hauck also wrote a letter to parents.

"The entire MVCSD community mourns the loss of Mauricio," he said. "A student death is a difficult and challenging situation that can generate a high level of anxiety and distress in some students. If you feel that your children are having difficulty, we encourage you to discuss their thoughts and feelings to help them work through their grief concerns. If you feel that your children need to speak to a counselor or other adult, please contact your child's teacher or school counselor."