The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office has provided an update on the fatal accident that happened on Friday, February 24th around 5:30 p.m. in the area of State Route 89 and Frontenac Road in Covert.
Sheriff Tim Luce says a 2008 Chevrolet Impala, was northbound on Route 89 when it suddenly left the east shoulder striking a culvert and multiple trees. The vehicle ultimately came to rest at the bottom of a deep embankment where it landed in a small body of water. The driver, Kymbra M. McLaughlin, age 45, of Ithaca suffered an extensive hand injury and was transported to Upstate Medical Center by Trumansburg Ambulance.
A passenger in the vehicle identified as Ella Mae McLaughlin, 9, suffered extensive injuries and was transported to Cayuga Medical Center by Trumansburg Ambulance where she later succumbed to those injuries. Two other minors in the vehicle suffered minor injuries and were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.
A GoFundMe was started for the family as they deal with the sudden, devastating personal loss.
The Trumansburg Fire Department, Interlaken Fire Department, Ithaca Fire Department, and Ovid Fire Department also responded to the scene. Rescue efforts were extremely challenging and rope rescue teams were deployed to the scene. The Sheriff’s Office was additionally assisted by the New York State Police and the Seneca County E-911 Center.
The accident remains under investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Thompson at (315) 220-3449.
The following message was shared along with the GoFundMe:
“As many of you know, our community suffered a profound loss with the passing of Ella Mae McLaughlin.
We are organizing this fundraiser due to a tragic and heartbreaking incident that occured on Friday February 24th as a result of a car accident. Ella Mae’s passing was sudden, and her family is coping with the emotional weight of this, as well as healing from physical injuries sustained in the accident.
To know Ella Mae was to love her. She had the most beautiful personality and sweetest soul, and you could see her kindness in her sparkling eyes. She was a beloved friend, sister, daughter, granddaughter, and so much more. She was passionate about all things fashion and was such a vibrant soul. She left such an impression on all who met her. In the words of her father, ‘Ellamae was the sweetest little girl. She would give you the shirt off her back if you need it. She was always will to help you out with her bubbly personality.’
Adam and Kymbra are now experiencing every parent’s worst nightmare, and we are holding space for their entire family in their time of grief. So many wonderful family and friends have reached out to see what they can do, and we would love to streamline efforts to help them to begin to heal. We created this campaign to offer our positive thoughts and contributions toward the family in this time of need. Monetary donations will allow for Ella Mae’s father to take time off from work, and will go towards any financial needs the family has in the wake of this tragedy. They are truly grateful to all of those reaching out to support them. When we experience our darkest moments, it is the people that lift us up that help us see the light.
Every donation counts, however small. Thanks on behalf of Ella Mae and her family.”
– Grace Griffith, GoFundMe Organizer
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