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Police identify victims in fatal 2-vehicle crash on Taconic State Parkway

Three passengers in the van, identified as 20-year-old Odenis Balladares, of Neptune, New Jersey, 34-year-old Harrison Mauricio Reyes Rivera, of Long Branch, New Jersey and 45-year-old Bryan Aguilar Castillo, of Asbury Park, New Jersey were pronounced dead at the scene.

News 12 Staff

May 15, 2025, 12:17 PM

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Police have released the identities of the victims in Wednesday's fatal two-vehicle crash on the Taconic State Parkway.

A van operated by 50-year-old Yader A. Reyes, of Long Branch, New Jersey, was traveling southbound when it crossed the center median into the northbound lanes.

Police say the van collided head-on with a 2024 Honda Accord driven by 45-year-old Robert Violante, of Granite Springs, New York. The impact caused the van to overturn and catch fire.

Three passengers in the van, identified as 20-year-old Odenis Balladares, of Neptune, New Jersey, 34-year-old Harrison Mauricio Reyes Rivera, of Long Branch, New Jersey and 45-year-old Bryan Aguilar Castillo, of Asbury Park, New Jersey were pronounced dead at the scene.

Violante was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Reyes remains hospitalized in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center.

Wednesday coverage

The Bergenfield School District identified the driver as Robert Violante, a high school football and track coach affectionately known as “Coach V.” Officials say he was heading home to Northern Westchester when the crash happened.

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Millwood community reacts to deadly crash

A driver named Jeff from Tarrytown said the accident reminds him of how unpredictable life is.

"You don't know what's gonna happen," he said.

State police say they expect to release the names of the other victims once family notifications are complete.

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