An upstate New York mother and her 18-year-old son were killed in a head-on collision while returning from a college orientation session Friday when another motorist veered into their lane, authorities and family friends said.
Colin Ferrell, a recent high school graduate, was driving a 2015 Acura RDX with his mother Tiffany Ferrell in the passenger seat when they were killed in the daylight crash on Interstate 86 in the town of Chemung around 5 p.m., New York State Police said.
The other driver, Steven Mallory, 36, who was driving a 2018 Nissan Maxima, also died at the scene.
Mallory, of Horseheads, was driving westbound when he crossed the median and entered the eastbound lane where he struck Ferrell’s car, state police said.
Mallory, a father, reportedly suffered a medical emergency before the crash, a family friend wrote on a fundraising page, but investigators were unable to immediately confirm that detail.
A state police spokesman said authorities needed to investigate further before releasing more details about the crash.
Colin and Tiffany, who lived in the village of Endicott, were returning home from college orientation, a family friend wrote in a GoFundMe post aimed at raising money for their grieving family.
“Tiffany Ferrell had a big heart and was always there for everyone. She was full of life and could make anyone smile and laugh. She had so much love to give,” the fundraiser message reads.
“His son Colin was the nicest, most respectful person you could ever meet. He was a friend to everyone and always willing to lend a helping hand.”
Colin graduated from Union-Endicott High School in 2024 and his mother was an involved parent in the school system, school officials said.
“Colin was a kind and compassionate student who loved to play baseball, and Tiffany was a dedicated volunteer for the district, involved in many school and community efforts,” High School Superintendent Nicole Wolfe and Principal Steven DiStefano told the Press and Sun Bulletin.
The mother and son leave behind their husband and father, Dan, and Colin’s two siblings.
Mallory leaves behind a 7-year-old son, according to the fundraiser started by his relatives. He buried his mother just six weeks before his death.
“He was loved not only by his family, but also by his colleagues and friends,” the fundraising message reads. “Steven was a loving father and brother and was always there to help others when they asked.”
