The driver of a motorcycle who police said struck multiple pedestrians Sunday on a bike path in Lake George, killing a 38-year-old man and an 8-year-old boy, has never had a driver's license and previously had his learner's permit suspended, according to the state Motor Vehicles Department.
The motorcycle-pedestrian crash occurred Sunday afternoon near the Lake George Expedition Park in Lake George, police said.
New York State Police said a motorcycle headed north on U.S. Route 9 "at a high rate of speed" went off the road and into a bike path, hitting six pedestrians at the entrance to the path.
The motorcycle was driven by Anthony Futia, 33, of Albany, according to police. He is in critical condition at Albany Medical Center, per state police, with "life-threatening injuries."
James Persons, 38, of Lake George, and Quinton Delgadillo, 8, of Lake George, died from injuries sustained in the crash, according to state police. Another pedestrian, Jasmine Luellen, 30, of Lake George, is in stable condition at Albany Medical Center. Three other children were unhurt.
The Lake George community was left reeling by the crash.
“This is a neighbor, a friend, a colleague,” said Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce. “To have something like this happen after Americade had ended and just everything, it's just so sad.”
Mintzer said people in her office have connections to the victims, including Delgadillo.
Lake George school officials released a statement on Monday, saying Delgadillo was a good friend to all of his classmates.
“He was described by Mr. James Conway, Lake George Elementary School principal, as well-liked, super polite and loved by all,” Superintendent Douglas Huntley said.
“Quinton was in grade school here in Lake George, played baseball with the son of a colleague and was taught by another colleague,” he said.
“Quinton was a student in Mrs. Gershen and Ms. Gearing’s class. He was described by Mr. James Conway, Lake George Elementary School Principal, as “well liked, super polite, and loved by all. He was a good friend to all of his classmates.”
“There really isn’t any history of any sort of serious issues along that bike path,” said Don Lehman, Warren County director of public affairs.
County leaders said the Department of Public Works will scrutinize the area.
Americade organizers said Futia was not a registered participant in the annual motorcycle rally held in Lake George.
“It seems like it was a horrific accident, just kind of a bad-place, bad-time sort of situation. Just terrible,” Lehman said.
“We as the business community are going to do whatever we can to support those who are hurting and suffering during this really challenging time," Mintzer said.
School officials said grief counselors were made available to students and staff.