Carol Privitera Obituary, Death – An 80-year-old woman from Amherst lost her life following a serious crash Friday afternoon in the Town of Alden, according to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. The collision, which involved a Honda SUV and a tractor-trailer, happened around 4:15 p.m. at the busy intersection of Walden Avenue and Genesee Street.
Authorities identified the victim as Carol Privitera of Amherst. Investigators reported that Privitera had been driving her Honda SUV eastbound on Genesee Street just before the accident. She came to a stop at the stop sign where the roadway meets Walden Avenue. At the same time, a tractor-trailer was traveling westbound on Genesee Street and continued straight onto Walden Avenue with the legal right-of-way.
According to deputies, as Privitera attempted to make a slight left turn to continue onto Genesee Street, her vehicle moved into the path of the oncoming truck. The two vehicles collided within the intersection, causing a devastating crash. Emergency responders were immediately called to the scene.
Crews from the Millgrove Volunteer Fire Department and the Lancaster Volunteer Ambulance Corps arrived quickly to provide aid. Privitera was found critically injured and was rushed toward a nearby hospital. Sadly, despite their efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead while en route for further medical treatment.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, who has not been identified, escaped without injury. Authorities said the individual is fully cooperating with the investigation, providing statements to help determine the precise circumstances that led to the collision. Officials emphasized that there are no signs of impairment involved, and no charges have been announced at this time.
The sheriff’s office explained that the crash appears to be a matter of right-of-way confusion, which can often occur at intersections where visibility, timing, and judgment play critical roles. The tractor-trailer, due to its size and momentum, could not avoid the collision once the SUV moved into the intersection. Investigators continue to examine the incident, but preliminary findings indicate that Privitera’s vehicle entered the roadway at the wrong moment.
The intersection of Walden Avenue and Genesee Street has been the site of other accidents over the years, raising concern among residents about its safety. Some community members note that traffic volume and the presence of larger commercial vehicles often make the area particularly dangerous. Friday’s fatal accident has reignited calls for improved traffic control measures to help reduce such tragedies.
For Privitera’s family, friends, and neighbors, her sudden passing marks a heartbreaking loss. At 80 years old, she was remembered as a longtime member of the Amherst community. The tragedy has left many reflecting on the unpredictability of roadway accidents and the importance of caution at intersections.
The Erie County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation remains ongoing. Officials will review physical evidence, roadway conditions, and possible contributing factors before issuing a final report. For now, the crash serves as another sobering reminder of how quickly a moment on the road can turn fatal.
