Sheriff identifies people in serious Ridgeway accident

Photo by Tom Rivers – Law enforcement officers check the scene of a serious car accident this afternoon in Ridgeway on Horan Road. This photo shows the scene after the driver and a passenger were both transported by ambulance and Mercy Flight helicopter.

Press Release
Orleans County Sheriff
Scott Hess

RIDGEWAY – A man and a teenager are hospitalized tonight following a one-car crash late this afternoon in the Town of Ridgeway.

The incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m., in the 3500 block of Horan Road. A 2007 Hyundai 2-door sedan was traveling north when it crested a hill and the driver then apparently lost control on the down slope.

The vehicle crossed the center line and left the roadway on the west side. The car struck a mound of earth in the driveway of a private residence and became airborne. It continued approximately 60 feet in the air before striking a tree. It then spun 180 degrees and struck a second tree before grounding and coming to rest facing south.

The front seat passenger and registered owner of the vehicle is identified as Emmitt R. Weese, 50, of Holley. Weese was trapped in the wreckage for about 25 minutes before being extricated by Ridgeway and Shelby firefighters. He was flown by Mercy Flight helicopter to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo.

The driver of the vehicle is identified as Austin D. Winters, 16, of Medina. Winters was trapped in the wreckage for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. He was also extricated by firefighters and then flown to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Both individuals sustained what were described as “life-threatening” injuries.

Firefighters were assisted at the scene by Medina Fire Department Ambulance crews, who also transported victims to awaiting helicopters. A crew from Lyons Collision Service also assisted firefighters at the scene.

While the incident remains under investigation, it appears that excessive speed was a contributing factor. Both driver and passenger are facing charge(s) pending their recovery.

The incident was investigated by Deputy A.A. Breuilly, assisted by Sergeant G.T. Gunkler and Chief Deputy T.L. Drennan. Deputies were assisted at the scene by Medina Police Sgt. M.R. Borrell & Officer J.R. Frentz.