Passenger Dies In Fiery Drunk-Driving Crash Near Capital Region College, Police Say

A suspected drunk-driving crash near a college campus in the region claimed the life of a 47-year-old woman.

A 47-year-old woman died in a suspected drunk-driving crash on Eastern Avenue in Schenectady on Saturday night, Oct. 21.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps street view*

10/23/2023 4:30 p.m.

The fiery wreck happened just before 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, in Schenectady, on Eastern Avenue. The scene was two blocks away from Union College.

According to Schenectady Police, 31-year-old Gregory Mitchell, of Scotia, was driving while intoxicated when he crashed into a parked car on Eastern Avenue near Degraff Street.

The impact ignited a fire and trapped his passenger, Jacqueline McCole, of Scotia, inside the vehicle.

By the time members of the Schenectady Fire Department arrived on scene, McCole was dead, according to police.

Mitchell managed to escape the car and was found a short distance away.

He was arrested and taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment, where he was also expected to be arraigned.

Mitchell is charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, and traffic violations.

Schenectady Police are investigating the crash and asked anyone with information to contact the agency at 518-788-6566.

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