Robert Violante Obituary, Death – The New York State Police have confirmed the identities of the victims in a tragic head-on collision on the Taconic State Parkway that claimed the lives of four individuals on the evening of May 14. Among the victims was Robert Violante, 45, the beloved head football coach at Bergenfield High School in New Jersey, and a former star athlete at Somers High School.
The fatal crash took place in the town of New Castle when a 2014 Ram ProMaster van, driven by Yader A. Reyes, 50, of Long Branch, New Jersey, crossed the median into the northbound lanes of the parkway. Violante, who was driving a 2024 Honda Accord, was in the passing lane when the collision occurred. The crash, which left authorities in shock, involved the deaths of Violante and three men from New Jersey, Odenis Balladares Martinez, 20, Harrison Mauricio Reyes Rivera, 34, and Bryan Aguilar Castillo, 45, all of whom were passengers in the van.
The devastation of this accident has reverberated through the communities that these individuals called home. While the New York State Police have provided preliminary details, the emotional toll on their families and the local communities continues to be felt.
The Victims of the Taconic State Parkway Crash
The crash occurred just after 6:00 p.m., when the Ram ProMaster van driven by Yader Reyes veered into the northbound lanes, causing the horrific head-on collision with Violante’s Honda Accord. Violante, who was heading north, could not avoid the impact.
Violante’s legacy is one of leadership, mentorship, and dedication, both on and off the field. As the head football coach at Bergenfield High School in New Jersey, he led countless young athletes with passion and discipline, making a significant impact on their lives. His loss leaves a deep void in the football community, where he was widely respected for his commitment to his players and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Violante had also been a standout athlete during his high school years at Somers High School, where he had made his mark in the world of sports. Those who knew him describe him as a natural leader with an infectious energy that motivated everyone around him.
Friends, family, and players expressed their grief over the loss. One former player said, “Coach Violante was more than a coach to me. He was a mentor, a friend, and a role model. His guidance shaped who I am today. His sudden passing is a loss for all of us.”
The passengers in the van, Balladares Martinez, Reyes Rivera, and Aguilar Castillo, were all pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The trio, all from New Jersey, had been traveling together, and their deaths have left their families and loved ones devastated.
The Investigation and Aftermath
According to the New York State Police, Yader Reyes, the driver of the Ram ProMaster, was taken to Westchester Medical Center in critical condition. His current status remains serious, and authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. Reyes, who survived the collision, is expected to face further scrutiny as part of the investigation into the tragic incident.
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, authorities believe that the driver’s vehicle swerved across the median before colliding with Violante’s car. The police have also noted that they are working closely with medical professionals to understand the factors that may have contributed to the accident.
The crash has left the community in a state of shock and mourning. Several memorials have already been planned for Robert Violante, where friends, family, and community members will gather to celebrate his life and contributions to local sports.
A Community in Mourning
As the families of Violante and the other victims come to terms with their loss, the broader communities of Granite Springs, Bergenfield, and Somers have also been impacted. The outpouring of support from across New Jersey and New York speaks to the far-reaching influence that Robert Violante had as a coach, mentor, and community member.
“Coach Violante had a passion for sports and a commitment to helping his athletes grow into better people,” said a longtime friend and colleague. “His leadership was second to none, and his presence in the community will be sorely missed.”
As the investigation continues, those who knew the victims are left reflecting on their legacies and the indelible mark they left on the people and communities around them. The collision, while tragic, has served to remind everyone of the importance of cherishing those we love and making each moment count.
In Memoriam
Funeral services for Robert Violante and the three men from New Jersey are expected to be held in the coming days. The families have requested privacy during this incredibly difficult time. As we all come to terms with this heartbreaking event, it is clear that the lives of those lost will not soon be forgotten.
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