With help from roadblocks, witnesses and trucking associations, as well as evidence that includes vehicle parts and video surveillance, the Livingston County Sheriff's Department has found and interviewed the drivers responsible for the hit-and-run death of junior Kaitlin Charity.
The three vehicles involved in the accident on I-390 early on the morning of Oct. 20 have been identified as a white Peterbilt tractor trailer, a gray SUV, and a maroon Chrysler PT Cruiser.
According to investigators, the tractor-trailer was the first to hit Charity and is believed to have been making a delivery to a Rochester-area Wegman's warehouse.
Two of the three drivers involved in the accident, including the driver of the tractor-trailer, washed their vehicles after the accident. Police said the tractor-trailer also suffered from a fuel leak after Charity was struck and pulled over a mile away from the scene to plug the leak.
The three drivers from the Southern Tier could face felony charges for leaving the scene of an accident without notifying police. While the investigation continues, charges have not yet been filed against the drivers, whose names have not been disclosed.
Since her death, the community has continued to remember Charity as a positive influence both in the classroom and on campus. Katelyn Illingworth, a transfer student and classmate of Charity, said Charity helped her feel more welcome at Geneseo. "Kaitlin gave me a sense of belonging here and helped me feel safe," she said.
Waking hours and funeral services were held on Oct. 24 and 25 in West Sayville, N.Y., Charity's hometown. The Student Association sponsored a bus for the funeral services. Last Thursday, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship held a prayer vigil on the College Green in Charity's memory.
On Thursday, Nov. 1, an informal memorial will be held for Charity in the College Union Ballroom from 7-9 p.m. There will be a brief message and candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. Those who have copies of pictures or any memories that they would like to share with the Charity family are encouraged to bring them along.
The establishment of a scholarship in Charity's memory has been discussed, but details have not yet been worked out.