Pastor, 82, and His Wife, 88, Killed After Suspected Drunk Driver Allegedly Causes Horrific ‘Multi-Vehicle Collision’

A Long Island woman faces a litany of felony charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, following a high-speed, multi-vehicle collision on the Southern State Parkway that claimed the lives of a beloved local pastor and his wife.

The tragedy unfolded late Sunday evening, March 15, when 36-year-old Diana Kutateladze of Oceanside allegedly lost control of her 2020 Cadillac Escalade while driving intoxicated, according to New York State Police. The resulting carnage left two dead and sent multiple others to area hospitals.

The Fatal Collision

New York State Troopers responded to reports of a massive wreck near Hempstead in Nassau County at approximately 10:13 p.m. Preliminary investigations indicate Kutateladze was traveling westbound when her Escalade sideswiped a gray BMW in the left lane.

The impact caused Kutateladze to lose control, cross the center median, and enter the eastbound lanes against traffic. Her vehicle then struck a 2016 Toyota Highlander head-on, along with several other cars.

Authorities identified the deceased as Donald Maxwell, 82, and Liscent B. Maxwell, 88. Both were passengers in the Toyota Highlander and were pronounced dead at the scene. Donald Maxwell was a long-standing figure in the community, serving as a pastor at the Pentecostal City Mission Church in Far Rockaway.

Investigation and Arrest

The scope of the accident was extensive, involving six vehicles and a total of ten occupants. While the Maxwells were the only fatalities, one other individual remains in critical condition.

Investigators cited both excessive speed and impairment as primary catalysts for the crash. Prosecution records revealed:

• Speed: Kutateladze was allegedly traveling at 70 mph at the time of impact.
• Intoxication: Her blood alcohol content (BAC) was recorded at .10%, surpassing New York’s legal limit of .08%.
• Admission: During her arraignment, prosecutors stated the defendant admitted to consuming a “whiskey and coke” prior to getting behind the wheel.

Legal Proceedings

Kutateladze appeared in Hempstead court on Tuesday, March 17, arriving in a wheelchair due to injuries sustained in the crash. She has been charged with:

• Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (Felony)
• First and Second-Degree Vehicular Manslaughter
• Second-Degree Assault
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
• Reckless Driving

Through her legal counsel, Kutateladze entered a plea of not guilty.

The Pentecostal City Mission Church community is currently mourning the loss of the Maxwells. A spokesperson for the church indicated that the family has requested privacy during this period of grief.