Fred Stabbert III | Democrat A MAKESHIFT MEMORIAL at the skateboard park in the Delaware Youth Center property in Callicoon is a testament to one of George Quinn’s favorite places and love of the sport. Memorial contributions to the skateboard park will be accepted in George’s name. See obituary online, of on page 2B of the news stand issue.

Callicoon youth struck, killed by drunk driver

By Frank Rizzo
CALLICOON — George Quinn of Callicoon, 17, a sophomore at Sullivan West High School, was struck and killed while walking northbound on Route 97 one mile north of town Friday evening.
According to the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Quinn was struck when Dwayne L. Clark, 47, of Jeffersonville, legally passed another car going northbound and drifted over to the far side of the southbound lane.
While Clark and the driver of the car he had passed were stopped at the scene, a southbound car then ran over Quinn as he lay on the ground.
Police are seeking the operator of this car, which is small with silver or gray coloring.
Sullivan County Coroner Michael Speer pronounced Quinn dead at the scene.
The teen, well-known in the hamlet for his skateboarding, was walking to and was struck near his home on Rte. 97, half a mile north of Del Vue Rd.
There were reports that Quinn had been skateboarding at the time of the accident – about 10:45 p.m. – but Detective Don Starner of the Sheriff’s Office said that this could not be determined.
Starner added that an autopsy has been conducted and results are pending.
“He was walking against traffic, which is what he should have been doing,” said Undersheriff Eric Chaboty.
Clark submitted to a blood test, according to Starner, and was arrested for first degree vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated, a felony, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
Starner said that the investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 794-7100 or the confidential Tips Line at 807-0158.
“We’re asking the public for any help in this investigation and for the driver of the [unknown] vehicle to come forward,” Starner said.
Reaction
Sullivan West High School co-principal Rod McLaughlin did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Sullivan West Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Hilton said the school district was informed early Saturday morning of Quinn’s death, and he set the plans in motion to start the “call tree” to inform staff and plan a Monday morning countywide school emergency team meeting.
McLaughlin chaired yesterday’s meeting, which brought together school psychologists and other trained counselors, some from outside the district.
Hilton said the emergency committee members identified Quinn’s friends and classmates who might need follow-up support.
This was also accomplished by having a counselor follow Quinn’s class schedule yesterday to determine if others might need counseling.
The entire Sullivan West campus, in small assemblies, was told of the death, with School Resource Officer Greg Brewer, a NYS Police trooper giving the known facts at the time of his presentation.
In Friday’s Democrat: Reactions from his friends.