On March 15, 2026, at approximately 10:13 pm, New York State Police Troopers responded to the Southern State Parkway westbound, west of exit 17S, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau for reports of a multi vehicle collision.

Upon arrival, Troopers observed multiple vehicles disabled in the eastbound lanes.  Preliminary investigation revealed that the operator of a 2020 black Cadillac Escalade, Diana Kutateladze age 36 of Oceanside, with one other passenger was traveling westbound on the Southern State Parkway when her vehicle sideswiped a gray BMW traveling in the left lane.

Kutateladze subsequently lost control of the vehicle, crossed the center median and continued traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes, striking multiple vehicles. The Escalade then struck a 2016 black Toyota Highlander head on.

A total of six vehicles and ten drivers / occupants were involved in the collision.

During the incident, two passengers in the 2016 black Toyota Highlander were pronounced deceased at the scene. They have been identified as Donald Maxwell age 82 and Liscent B. Maxwell age 88.

Several other drivers and occupants involved in the crash were transported to local hospitals. One individual sustained critical injuries, while the remaining injuries are considered non-life threatening.

Preliminary investigations indicated speed and impairment were contributing factors to this incident.

Kutateladze was arrested and charged with the following:

Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (B Felony)Vehicular Manslaughter 1st (C Felony)Vehicular Manslaughter 2nd (D Felony)Assault 2nd (D Felony)Driving While IntoxicatedReckless Driving

This investigation remains ongoing. If anyone witnessed this incident or has video footage please the contact the Investigator Jeffrey Shillingford with the New York State Police at 212-814-9597. 

Updates will be posted in the New York State Police Newsroom.