Pablo Collector was accused of causing the death of paramedic Lisa Sillins by hitting her while she was driving drunk, according to authorities in Newburgh, Orange County, New York.
Sillins was 55 years old and was buried yesterday in Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, after dying on December 21, after spending five days in the hospital.
After finishing work on December 16, Sillins was crossing a street to get to the employee parking lot when she was struck by a car driven by Colector, who was under the influence of alcohol, according to authorities.
Collector, who was originally charged with drunk driving and vehicular assault, could face a vehicular manslaughter charge now that Sillins has died, he said. EMS1.
“Lisa was a caring and dedicated paramedic and a beloved member of the Ambulnz team,” the Hudson Valley company said in a Facebook post. “She was a shining light to her teammates, patients and the community she faithfully served. She had a positive impact on everyone around her” and she added up to more than 20 years of professional work.
All charges are mere accusations and those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
In a similar case, in May a 21-year-old New York University (NYU) medical student was struck and killed by another drunk Hispanic in Lower Manhattan.
The New York authorities have recalled that there is zero tolerance for drivers who speed and/or drive under the influence of alcohol.