SMITHTOWN, NY — A 19-year-old Smithtown man killed in a head-on crash in Ulster County over the weekend is being remembered by loved ones as an outgoing, positive young man with a passion for cars.
Peter B. Bonenfant was killed Sunday morning when the Chevrolet he was driving collided head-on with another vehicle on Route 28 in the Town of Olive, New York State Police said.
Troopers responded to the two-car crash at about 6:47 a.m. Aug. 23.
Investigators determined that Bonenfant was driving a 2024 Chevrolet west on Route 28 when, for reasons that remain under investigation, the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a 2021 Mercedes-Benz head-on, police said.
Bonenfant, the Chevrolet's sole occupant, was extricated from the vehicle and received lifesaving measures at the scene before being taken to Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston, where he died from his injuries, police said.
The Mercedes-Benz was driven by Philip F. Jacobus, 72, of New York City. Jacobus was also extricated and treated at the scene before being taken to Health Alliance Hospital and later transferred to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital, where he died, police said.
Following the crash, a GoFundMe was launched by Mike DiLo to help Bonenfant's loved ones with funeral and memorial expenses.
"Peter Bonenfant was only 19 years old, but in his short life, he had already made the kind of impression on people that lasts forever," the fundraiser states.
The fundraiser describes Bonenfant as outgoing, positive and warm-hearted, someone who made others feel "comfortable, welcome, and valued."
According to the fundraiser, Bonenfant was deeply loyal to his friends and family and had a particular love for cars, which organizers said represented "excitement, freedom, passion" to him and gave him another way to connect with others.
"Peter's life may have been far too short, but the impact he had on the people around him will not disappear," organizers wrote.
As of Tuesday morning, the fundraiser had collected $11,470 toward a $20,000 goal from 186 donations.
Organizers said the money will be used to help Bonenfant's family with funeral and memorial costs.
The crash remains under investigation.
State Police were assisted at the scene by the Ulster County Sheriff's Office, Olive First Aid Ambulance and the Olive Fire Department.
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