Horrific crash in southern tier

PORTLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) -  

A mother and her son were killed, and a second child remains in the hospital Monday night, after a horrific crash on the southern tier.

The tragedy happened as wintry weather hit the Town of Portland in Chautauqua County early Monday.

Little three-year-old Rose Irwin is fighting for her life Monday night and we're told that her father is with her while she remains in intensive care at Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

It happened early Monday morning in Chautauqua County. Police say at around 6:30, Roberta Irwin lost control of her Chevrolet Lumina and slid into the eastbound lane, right into the path of another car driven by 26-year-old Carl Philbeck of Brocton.

New York State Police Captain Timothy Talley said, "When the vehicle spun across the centerline into the opposing lane it was broadsided by the vehicle traveling in the opposite direction."

Police say 32-year-old Roberta Irwin and her ten-year-old son Grant were killed from the impact. Her three-year-old daughter Rose was taken to Women and Children's Hospital. Investigators believe that snowy conditions are to blame for the crash.

Captain Talley said, "It appears that this is a weather related accident. The road was slippery. There were witness that saw the vehicle spin out of control and enter the opposite lane."

It's a difficult day for the Brocton school district. Ten-year-old Grant was in 4th grade.

Brocton School District Superintendent Jack Skahill said, "...incredible student with a real winning smile and he was a joy for his teachers and classmates."

Although the school is closed Tuesday, school officials tells us that counselors will be there Tuesday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 for not just the students, but members of the community who would like the help getting through the tragedy.