Dryden woman identified as victim in fatal collision on Route 13
A Dryden woman died Friday following a four-car motor vehicle collision on State Route 13 between Warren and North Triphammer roads.
Kathleen Downes 63, of Dryden, was transported by LifeNet Helicopter to Upstate Medical Center following the crash. She later died from her injuries.
According to her obituary in the Ithaca Journal, Downes "dedicated her entire life to loving and shaping the minds of young children, developing a long career with the Ithaca City School District, where she was renowned for her expertise in working with children with special needs. She saw the potential in every person she met."
There will be a celebration of her life at the Ithaca Children's Garden at 2 p.m. on Wednesday April 17, which will be open to the public.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Ithaca Children's Garden at 1001 West Seneca Street, Suite 101, Ithaca NY, 14850.
Other minor injuries were also reported at the scene. Medical assistance was provided by the Ithaca Tompkins County Regional Airport's Crash, Fire, and Rescue team, the Lansing Fire Department, and Bang's Ambulance.
The Tompkins County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, and the Village of Cayuga Heights police also provided assistance.