On Monday, March 12, a driver lost control of a car headed southbound on Route 17 near Monticello, plunging down a steep embankment, rolling several times, and killing a passenger. Driver Michael Messineo, a 58-year-old resident of Liberty, stands charged of manslaughter, DWI, and failure to keep right.
The vehicle rolled several times crushing the roof. The Monticello Fire Department and Mobile Medic responded. A passenger in the front seat, Charles Wolff, 73, of Liberty NY was pronounced dead by Sullivan County Coroner Alan Kesten.
"It appears the cause of death was a broken neck," Undersheriff Eric Chaboty said. Wolff wasn't wearing a seat belt, whereas Messineo was, Chaboty said.
Messineo, of Liberty, was removed and taken to Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris for minor injuries. He has no criminal history, Chaboty said.
