By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-947769.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Police are not yet confirming the identity of the 24 year old man who drove his truck the wrong way on the Kensington head on into an SUV killing both passengers Saturday. But the family of Matthew Ruckdaschel Monday sent their condolences to the grieving families.
The family of a Getzville man who hit another vehicle and killed two people last weekend while driving the wrong way on the Kensington issued a statement Monday.
Police are not yet confirming the identity of the 24 year old man who drove his truck the wrong way head on into an SUV killing both passengers Saturday. But the family of Matthew Ruckdaschel Monday sent their condolences to the grieving families.
Pastor Randy Milleville of the Zion Lutheran Church in Clarence Center read the brief statement to reporters on behalf of the Matthew Ruckdaschel family.
"The Ruckdaschel family would like to express their deepest condolences to the Anderson and Johnson families in the tragic loss of their loved ones. We are praying for them and ask the media to respect our privacy at this very difficult time," read Milleville.
The family was not at the press conference. Milleville said the family is at the side of their son, who remains in critical condition at ECMC. The pastor said the family is struggling with grief and concern.
The victims were cousins - Orlando Anderson, 37, of Buffalo and Thomas Johnson, believed to be from Cleveland. His age was unknown.
Police would not officially identify Ruckdaschel as the driver of the truck. But Buffalo Police department spokesman Michael DeGeorge confirmed that driver is in police custody at ECMC. He said the investigation continues, but charges are pending.
"I would say at this point is that investigators are looking at the possibility if alcohol did play a role in the fatal accident on the 33," said DeGeorge. "Just a tragic situation, tragic event. Investigators, I'm sure, will need some time to put everything together."
Police said that at least one person tried to alert Ruckdaschel that he was headed the wrong way on the inbound Kensington expressway at about 4:45 A.M. Saturday.
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