Jamaica-born church leader and wife killed in 6 car pile-up in New York

An elderly Jamaica-born couple were killed in a six car pile-up on the Southern State Parkway in Long Island, New York, caused by a drunken driver last Sunday night.

Dead are 82-year-old Bishop Donald Maxwell, general overseer of the Pentecostal City Mission Church in Far Rockaway, Queens, also in New York, and his 88-year-old wife Liscent B. Maxwell, a minister in the church.

Maxwell, who migrated from Jamaica in his teens, and his wife lived in Westbury, Long Island.

According to police reports, around 10:30 Sunday night, the Maxwells were returning from an event when they died in the incident.

The husband and wife were passengers in a 2016 Toyoto Highlander travelling on the east bound side of the parkway when an out-of-control Cadillac Escalade crossed the median and came face to face with oncoming vehicles before crashing head-on into the vehicle in which the Maxwells were travelling.

Driver Charged

The police report stated that a 36-year-old woman, Diana Kutateladzo was behind the wheel of the vehicle that caused the accident. She has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, multiple counts of vehicular manslaughter, assault, driving while intoxicated and reckless driving.

Her husband, who was a passenger in her vehicle, remains in hospital in serious condition. Several people were treated for injuries.

According to reports from the police, 10 people and six vehicles were involved in the crash. The majority of those involved are reported to have suffered non-life threatening injuries.

As news of the Maxwells’ deaths spread, many church members took to social media to pay tribute to them.

On parishioner wrote on Facebook: “Woke this morning to hear you’re not with us Bishop Maxwell and wife. Gone too soon. Can’t believe just spoke to you last Sunday … now you’re no longer going to be here. Condolence to the church family.”

Bishop Maxwell has been identified by authorities and friends as a long-time church leader.

Though the bishop left his homeland several decades ago, Jamaica remained close to his heart. On his church’s website remains a message appealing for assistance for Jamaica’s relief and recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa struck the island last October.

“Please help the Pentecostal City Mission Churches in Jamaica to support their communities and rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa,” the message reads.

“These resources will be used by the churches to purchase food and supplies for families in their local communities and to support rebuilding efforts.”

The Pentecostal City Mission Church is described on its website as a community of believers that will effectively communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to all people holistically, irrespective of race, colour, gender and economic status.

editorial@gleanerjm.com