In the still hours of Saturday morning, the quiet of Town of Wellsville, New York was shattered by tragedy: a single-vehicle crash at about 2:24–2:25 a.m. on a sharp curve of Tarantine Boulevard claimed the lives of two teenage friends and left four other teens injured.
According to the New York State Police (NYSP), a 2020 Buick Encore carrying six teenage occupants was traveling eastbound when it exited the north shoulder of the road on a sharp curve and struck a utility pole on the driver’s side. First responders found the vehicle heavily damaged and trapped occupants inside.
The two young men who lost their lives were identified as 17-year-old Derrick J. Smith and 18-year-old Gavin Odell, both of Canisteo, New York. Derrick Smith was riding in the tailgate area of the SUV, while Gavin Odell was seated behind the driver. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The surviving occupants include the 17-year-old driver, a 14-year-old front-seat passenger, and two rear-seat passengers aged 15 and 16. All sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Jones Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Investigators from NYSP’s Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation joined the probe, and authorities say there were no signs of impairment at the time of the crash. Autopsies for both deceased teens have been scheduled.
In a heartfelt statement, the Wellsville EMS & Rescue expressed deep sorrow: “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident. We are grateful for the teamwork and professionalism displayed by all responding agencies under extremely difficult circumstances.”
As the Wellsville community reels from the loss of two promising young lives, local residents, emergency responders and friends of the family stand together in grief and remembrance. The investigation continues into the early-morning crash that changed so many lives forever.