One Driver Sentenced for Contributing to Fatal Two-Vehicle Collision in Town of Hamburg

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 30-year-old Justin T. Trane of Hamburg was sentenced yesterday afternoon before Acting Erie County Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio to six months in jail followed by five years of probation. As a condition of the sentence, his New York State driver's license was revoked. If his license is restored, Trane will be required to install an ignition interlock device in his vehicle for one year.

On Sunday, August 20, 2023, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Town of Hamburg Police responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of McKinley Parkway and Quinby Drive. A Chevrolet Express van, operated by Justin Trane, was traveling northbound on McKinley Parkway when the collision occurred with a Subaru Forrester, driven by Dylan Wiza, as the vehicle exited a parking lot and entered the northbound lane on McKinley Drive.

Trane, the only occupant of the Chevrolet Express van, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Wiza was also transported to ECMC where he was treated for injuries to his head, face, and pelvis. His front seat passenger, a 16-year-old female, was taken by ambulance to Oishei Children's Hospital where she was treated for a concussion and lacerations. The rear passenger, a 15-year-old female, was unresponsive when paramedics arrived at the scene. The victim was transported to Oishei Children's Hospital where she later died from the injuries. Our office will not be releasing the name of the deceased due to her age.

The investigation determined that the actions of both defendants contributed to the collision that resulted in the death of the passenger. Trane, who was under the influence of alcohol, drove through a red light the intersection at Quinby Drive. Wiza, who was under the influence of cannabis, was traveling southwest out of the parking lot and crossed into the northbound lane to enter the intersection. While executing a search warrant, investigators found a quantity of suspected cannabis and various drug paraphernalia inside of the Subaru driven by Wiza.

Tranepleaded guilty to one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class "D" felony), the highest sustainable charge, on May 22, 2024.

Dylan J. Wiza, 18, of Williamsville is currently scheduled to be sentenced before Judge LoTempio on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. He pleaded guilty to one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class "C" felony), the highest sustainable charge, in May 2024. He remains released on his own recognizance pending sentence.

Acting DA Keane commends the Town of Hamburg Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher M. McCarthy of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.