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Sam Oliverio, assistant principal at Putnam Valley High School, said on his Facebook page that Divine was one of those students that pulled at his heart.
"He was a true gentle youngster who had a tough life," Oliverio said. "My thoughts are with anyone who knew or was touched by Jeff. He was funny, always smiling, bold, kind, brave, a true dog lover, generous; but also troubled by life's turmoil."
Oliverio said he will always remember Divine's smile when he came into his office.
"He was a great kid," Oliverio said. "I loved that boy. He was one of those young men you look at and you want to take home with you and say this is what you need to do to get your focus and redirect yourself. He will be missed."
Divine did not graduate from Putnam Valley High School, but later obtained his GED, according to the district.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that a 2006 Subaru operated by 40-year-old Melida Espinal of Danbury, Conn., entered the northbound lanes of the Taconic, in a southerly direction at Peekskill Hollow Road approximately 8/10 of a mile before crashing head-on with a 2007 Suzuki motorcycle which was traveling northbound at approximately 3:35 a.m.
The driver of the Subaru, as well as two passengers, were treated for minor injuries. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact the State Police Cortlandt Barracks BCI at (914) 788-8044 or after business hours at (914) 737-7171.
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