Rochester, New York – Authorities have ruled out terrorism in the tragic New Year’s Day crash that claimed two lives and injured several individuals. The incident involved a SUV laden with gas canisters being driven towards pedestrians and colliding with a car outside a concert venue in Rochester. The driver, identified as Michael Avery, succumbed to his injuries on Monday night, leaving officials puzzled about his motives.
Rochester Police Chief David M. Smith has emphasized that Avery’s actions do not appear to be politically or socially motivated, hinting at the possibility of underlying mental health issues. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could shed light on the circumstances leading to the crash.
The tragic event unfolded just before 1 a.m. as concertgoers were leaving a performance at the Kodak Center theater complex. Avery reportedly accelerated towards a group of pedestrians as police officers were redirecting traffic, resulting in a collision that claimed the lives of two passengers in the car he struck.
According to family members, the victims of the crash were identified as Justina Hughes and Josh Orr, who were described as best friends. Their families have expressed gratitude for the time the two spent together and the unintentional protection they provided to others involved in the incident.
Following the collision, a fire broke out, leading to a substantial blaze that required the fire department’s intervention. In the aftermath, authorities discovered multiple gas canisters in and around Avery’s SUV, prompting a closer examination and the involvement of arson and FBI teams in the investigation.
Investigators disclosed that Avery had been in Rochester for a few days leading up to the crash, during which he acquired the vehicle involved in the incident and purchased several gas containers. Despite executing search warrants on his hotel room and personal vehicle, authorities have yet to uncover a definitive motive for his actions.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, local authorities, including Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, have extended their condolences to the families of the victims and urged anyone with information to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Additionally, President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, underlining the gravity of the incident and the need for a thorough examination of the events leading to the crash.