School secretary dies in Hamburg crash

HAMBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) - Hamburg Police say a fatal accident on Camp Road on Friday was caused by bad weather conditions.

Authorities say 63-year-old Pamela McDonnell of Hamburg lost control of her vehicle and spun out into the northbound lanes around 3 p.m. on Camp Road between St. Francis and Victory. Her car was hit by a pickup truck. She was taken to the Mercy Ambulatory Care Center, where she was pronounced dead.

The roads in the area were closed for around two hours. Hamburg Police would not allow cameras near the scene, but a Report It picture provided by Kenny, a News 4 viewer, show the heavy damage caused to one vehicle.

McDonnell was a secretary to the principal at St. Francis High School in Hamburg. She worked at the school for over 20 years. In a message posted on the school's website, the president issued a statement, saying in part, "Pam always had a warm smile, so gentle and compassionate, a true Franciscan who loved her family and friends deeply. Pam, you will be missed."

She leaves behind her husband, James, to whom she was married for over 40 years, as well as four children and five grandchildren. Calling hours will be Monday from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and again from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Donald M. Demmerley Funeral Home at 21 Pierce Avenue in Hamburg. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church at 66 East Main Street in Hamburg.

Police are not releasing the name of the other driver. The accident remains under investigation.