Holley simulates deadly DWI crash

Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Lori Passarell, mother of Holley senior Nick Passarell, grieves after seeing her son on a stretcher today during a simulation at Holley Central School. Passarell is comforted by Deputy Jeff Cole.

County Coroner Scott Schmidt and David Mitchell, left, from Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes took Nick Passarell to a hearse owned by the funeral home.

Holley area firefighters and law enforcement put organized the simulation on the day of Holley’s prom, which is tonight at Deerfield Country Club in Brockport. Students were urged to not drink and drive, and to make smart choices behind the wheel, avoiding texting, drinking, drugs or drowsiness.

DK Autobody in Albion donated these two banged-up vehicles that were set by each other to simulate an accident.

Five Holley students wore makeup to simulate blood and injuries from the accident. One Holley student was also “arrested” for driving drunk and led away in a police car.

Firefighters used extrication equipment to free student Delilah Grathouse from the wreck. She is pictured at left on the stretcher. This is the first time in 10 years Holley area firefighters and police worked with the school district to do the DWI simulation.

Delilah Grathouse is led by stretcher to a Mercy Flight helicopter on the school campus.

A sign by the main driveway to the school urges students to be safe and responsible, especially during a season of prom and many graduation parties.

Nick Passarell is under the wreckage in this vehicle. He would be pronounced dead in front of his classmates by a coroner. Firefighters from Holley, Clarendon and Fancher-Hulberton-Murray were part of the simulation.

Although it was role playing, Nick’s mother Lori Passarell was overcome seeing her son bloodied in the wreckage.

Roland Nenni, Holley police chief, urges students to avoid drugs and alcohol. However, if they make that bad decision, he told the students to call a parent or friend if they ever need a ride.

Mercy Flight takes off from Holley Central School.

Nick Passarell hugs his mother Lori. Nick said he hopes today’s simulation sent a strong message to his classmates and community to be safe while driving.

Lyndonville is planning a similar DWI simulation on June 8 and Albion will have one on June 10.