Victim, driver identified in Hamburg crash that killed 8-year-old boy

HAMBURG, N.Y. (WKBW) — One child is dead and another is injured following a two-vehicle crash Saturday evening on Route 5, according to Hamburg police.

An investigation revealed that Heather Van Elk, 35, of Blasdell, was traveling east on Route 5 and stopped to turn left onto North Creek Road. While she was being stopped, her vehicle was allegedly struck from behind by Markus Genovese, 52, of Angola.

Police say Thomas Ross, 8, of Blasdell, died in the crash. A 4-year-old passenger was treated at the hospital and has since been released.

Genovese fled the scene but was later found hiding in a nearby yard. He was taken to ECMC where he was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated by a combination of alcohol and drugs, first degree manslaughter, manslaughter in the second degree, aggravated felony unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident and other traffic and traffic law violations.

A felony hearing is scheduled for June 13. Genovese remains held without bail.

“This is a devastating loss for the family of young Thomas Ross, and our thoughts continue to be with them during this very difficult time,” Hamburg city police said in a statement.

The road was closed for several hours Saturday evening and has since reopened.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Eric Wilson of the THPD Crash Investigation Unit at (716) 648-5111 ext. 2571.