Baby killed in crash, driver charged

BRANT, N.Y. (WIVB) - A crash involving a car and an SUV claimed the life of a 7-month-old girl Tuesday morning in Brant, on the Cattaraugus Seneca territory.

Police say around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, an SUV driven by 24-year-old Danielle Kellogg of Brant crossed the center line on Southwestern Boulevard and struck a green Pontiac driven by 31-year-old Denise Hine of Hamburg. The crash left the car split in two parts, with the back end about 30 feet from the front of the vehicle, in front Signals Discount Tobacco Gas and Food.

Erie County Sheriff's Capt. Ronald Kenyon said, "The driver crossed into the eastbound lane. Appears as though the mother, the driver of the second vehicle, tried to avoid striking that vehicle and the vehicle did in fact strike the one with the mom and child."

PHOTO GALLERY | You can see unbelievable photos from the crash scene, including photos of the green Pontiac split in two parts

The crash claimed the life of Hine's 7-month-old daughter, and left the Hine fighting for her life. Hine was in the front portion of the car and was flown by Mercy Flight to ECMC, where she is in serious condition. About 30 feet away, the baby was in the backseat of the car, in a car seat. The girl was transported to Lakeshore Health Care Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Through her attorney, Stephen Boyd, Hine and the father of the child, Scott Dion, released the following statement:

"She was the best baby on the face of the earth. She was perfect in every way. We are devastated and can't imagine what life will be like without our Baylee."

Erie County Emergency Services Chaplain Father Joseph Bayne was at the scene to counsel first responders and witnesses who tried to help.

"The folks went out, tried to help. They were there consoling the mother and helping out. They're civilians. What I do is let people talk, let them vent a little and remind them that we are human. It affects us all. I don't care how long you've been in the fire, EMS, it's a nightmare. It's a little precious one and it kind of kicks us in the stomach," Father Bayne said.

Kellogg was treated at ECMC and released. Deputies have charged her with DWI and second degree vehicular manslaughter.

Three years ago this week, Kellogg was previously charged with DWI, according to published reports.

Authorities say the crash remains under investigation and additional charges are pending.