Putnam County Sheriff Kevin J. McConville reports the investigation into a fatal motor vehicle accident in the Town of Southeast.
On January 25, 2024, at approximately 6 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles at 477 Tonetta Lake Rd.
The first arriving Deputy was advised that an occupant of one vehicle needed immediate medical assistance. The deputy removed her from the vehicle and began CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) until relieved by Brewster EMS. The driver, identified as Marie Desimone, 64 years of age from Southeast, was transported to Putnam Hospital Center, where she was pronounced dead.
The second vehicle's driver was identified as Alexis Gialanella, 36 years old, also of Southeast. Also in the second vehicle were five and 1-year-old children. Ms. Gialanella and the children were transported to Putnam Hospital Center for evaluation of minor injuries.
Through investigation, with the assistance of the New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, it appears that the vehicle operated by Ms. Desimone was westbound when, for unknown reasons, crossed into the eastbound lane and struck the vehicle operated by Ms. Gialanella head-on.
The roadway remained closed until approximately 9 pm for the investigation, and deputies were assisted at the scene by the Brewster Fire Department and Medics.
