Lockport, NY (April 24, 2026) – Two people died after a single-car crash on Ridge Road in Lockport on Wednesday, April 22, at around 6:30 p.m. The collision claimed the lives of both the driver and a passenger traveling in the vehicle.
According to The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, a 2021 Corvette was heading west on Ridge Road when it left the roadway on the north side and struck a culvert. The vehicle then rolled over multiple times before coming to rest. The force of the crash proved fatal for both people inside.
Authorities identified the driver as 83-year-old Gary Milsom of Cheektowaga. The passenger, 73-year-old Maria Gump of Williamsville, was also in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Emergency units pronounced both victims dead at the scene.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Gary Milsom and Maria Gump during this incredibly difficult time.
What Should Families Do After a Fatal Car Accident in New York?
After a fatal car accident in New York, families should focus first on two immediate priorities: taking care of their own wellbeing and preserving any evidence connected to the crash. Acting promptly after a fatal collision can make a meaningful difference in the weeks and months ahead.
One of the first steps families can take is requesting a copy of the official crash report. In New York, police departments and sheriff’s offices document fatal accidents in detail, recording vehicle positions, road conditions, witness statements, and preliminary findings. This report serves as a foundational piece of evidence and can be requested through the responding agency or the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Families should also document as much as possible in the immediate aftermath of the crash. If accessible, photos of the scene, the vehicles involved, and the surrounding road conditions can provide valuable context. Collecting contact information from any witnesses who may have seen the accident happen is equally important, as memories fade quickly and witnesses can become harder to locate over time.
New York law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim when a loved one dies as a result of another party’s negligence. Under New York’s Estates, Powers and Trusts Law, a wrongful death claim must generally be filed within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline can eliminate a family’s right to seek compensation entirely, regardless of how clear the circumstances of the crash may be.
A wrongful death claim in New York can seek compensation for several categories of loss. These include the deceased person’s lost earnings and financial contributions to the family, funeral and burial expenses, and the value of the care, guidance, and companionship the family has lost. In some cases, a separate survival action may also be filed on behalf of the deceased person’s estate to recover damages for pain and suffering experienced before death.
Dealing with insurance companies after a fatal crash adds another layer of difficulty for grieving families. Insurers may reach out quickly with settlement offers that do not fully reflect the extent of the family’s losses. Accepting an early offer without fully understanding what compensation may be available can limit a family’s options going forward. Having legal guidance from a wrongful death lawyer before making any decisions helps ensure that all avenues are properly explored.
At Metro Law, we have extensive experience helping New York families through the aftermath of fatal car accidents. We can explain how wrongful death claims work, what compensation may be available, and how New York’s laws apply to the specific circumstances of your loss.
If your family lost someone in a fatal crash and you want clear answers about your legal options, contact Metro Law at (800) 469-6476. We are here to help you understand what steps may be available during this difficult time.
