Drunk Driver Lied About Fatal Accident

This Happened in New York

Details Below

An Ecuadorian man lied to detectives, claiming he was not driving during a crash that killed a Hispanic passenger early Sunday in Bergen County.

The crash, which left one passenger dead and another in critical condition, was investigated by authorities.

The single-vehicle accident occurred on December 1, shortly before 2:30 a.m.

When several agencies arrived at the scene, they determined that the car, with three occupants on board, had collided with a road divider on Route 46 West in Hasbrouck Heights, according to a statement from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

Drunk Driver Lied About Fatal Accident

One passenger, Angel S. Uzhca Yadaicela, 57, a resident of Elmwood Park, was rushed to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he later died.

Another passenger, whose identity has not been disclosed, was also transported to the same hospital and remains hospitalized in critical condition.

The third occupant, identified as José M. Sumba Astudillo, 36, a resident of Newark, initially told police he was a passenger and claimed that the driver had fled the scene after the crash.

Sumba Astudillo was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries that were not considered serious.

Driver Identified as Sumba Astudillo

However, authorities later determined that Sumba Astudillo was the driver of the car. He was initially charged with filing a false report to law enforcement (a second-degree offense), obstruction of justice (fourth degree), and hindering apprehension (third degree).

After being discharged from the hospital, he was taken to the Bergen County Jail, where he remains in custody awaiting his initial court appearance.

On Monday, investigators also determined that Sumba Astudillo was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

As a result, additional charges were filed, including vehicular homicide while driving under the influence (second degree), aggravated assault (second degree), causing death while operating a vehicle without a license (third degree), causing serious injury while unlicensed (fourth degree), and vehicular assault (third degree).

Angel Uzhca’s Family Seeks Support on GoFundMe

Drunk Driver Lied About Fatal Accident – Photo: GoFundMe

Amid this tragedy, Angel Uzhca’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for funeral expenses and to help cover bills during this difficult time.

“With deep sadness, we inform you of the unexpected passing of my uncle, Mr. Angel Uzhca, in a car accident on Sunday, December 1.

During this challenging time, his wife, María Dolores Salto, and his children, Mauricio, Steven, and Kenneth, need your prayers and support,” the campaign states.

Any contribution will be greatly appreciated to ease the family’s financial burden during this trying period.

Those interested in supporting can find the campaign active on GoFundMe.

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