Family clings to memories after crash

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - Two families are mourning Monday, after a motorcycle crashed onto a bike path and claimed the lives of a 25-year-old woman and an 81-year-old woman.

Like many Sunday, Jocelyn Elberson and her mom and aunt were out enjoying the beautiful fall day, which was perfect for a walk. They had the same idea as husband and wife Foster and Sheila Pelton. But a seemingly perfect day quickly turned into a nightmare that will haunt these families forever.

Around 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Amherst Police say 53-year-old David Smith was driving his motorcycle drunk when he went around a curve and veered into the Amherst Bike Path off Tonawanda Creek Road.

Jocelyn's mom and aunt had just let an elderly couple walk past them, and Jocelyn was a few feet ahead. She was killed, and so was 81-year-old Sheila Pelton. Her husband Foster is in the hospital in critical condition, though he is expected to survive.

Jocelyn's sister Heather Brothers recalled, “She put a smile on anyone’s face, she could cheer you up in a second.”

At 25, Jocelyn couldn’t get enough of her family, babies and animals, especially her new cockapoo Sadie. Her Facebook page was littered with pictures of her new dog, which was a special gift from her parents.

Jocelyn underwent heart surgery just six months ago, a result of having Williams Syndrome, a disorder that causes developmental problems.

Jocelyn’s father Charles Elberson said, “They said we could basically lose her because it's not a typical surgery, so we didn’t know and fortunately it worked out.”

Her dog Sadie had helped her in her recovery. Her father said, “She needed some exercise, so little Sadie kind of helped that.”

Joceleyn also loved WWE wrestling and was thrilled when she and her dad recently got tickets from a coworker.

Charles said, “She wanted me to go with her because she didn't have anyone else to go with her and it was very nice of him, he made her day because she loved that.”

Memories like that are what the Elberson family are clinging on to.

Smith is being charged with DWI and criminally negligent homicide. He was arraigned inside ECMC, where he is in stable condition.