Police: 4 Teens Killed, Woman Injured in Champion Crash

May 25, 2009, First Reported 9:00 a.m.

UPDATE: 

On May 24, 2009, at approximately 9:30 p.m., passenger victim David VanEpps, 18, Felts Mills, died as a result of his injuries at University Hospital in Syracuse.

May 24, 2009, First Reported 7:20 a.m.

Media Release

TOWN OF CHAMPION —   State police were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday to a serious physical injury automobile accident on County Route 47 in the town of Champion approximately a half-mile south of Pennock Road.

The subsequent investigation revealed that a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe was being operated southbound by Rebecca Besaw, 17, Watertown.

The vehicle left the west side of the roadway striking a utility pole in the ditch and then a large tree.

Other occupants in the vehicle included Susan Melgar, 18, (front passenger), and rear seat passengers Denise Yeman, 14, David Van Epps, 18, and Tara Armer, 23, Fort Drum (vehicle owner).

Melgar, Yeman and VanEpps all reside in the Felts Mills area.

Yeman, VanEpps and Armer were ejected from the vehicle.

VanEpps and Armer were airlifted to University Hospital in Syracuse where they remain in critical condition.

Yeman was transported to Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Cause and manner of death of Besaw, Yeman and Melgar are pending post mortem examination by the Jefferson County medical examiner.

Excessive speed and improper lane usage are the contributing factors, police said.

State police were assisted at the scene by the Great Bend and Fort Drum fire departments, Deferiet first responders, Fort Drum police, National Grid and the Fort Drum, Carthage, Natural Bridge and Guilfoyle ambulance services.

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