Stafford, NY (April 11, 2026) – A fatal crash on Interstate 90 in Genesee County has resulted in vehicular manslaughter charges against a Churchville man.
According to New York State Police, the collision occurred around 8:53 p.m. near milepost 384 in the town of Stafford. Troopers responded to reports of a serious crash involving two vehicles traveling eastbound.
Investigators determined that a 2024 BMW X6 struck the rear of a 2017 GMC pickup truck. The impact caused the GMC to overturn, ejecting the driver, identified as 56-year-old Scott K. Berberian of Syracuse. Berberian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the driver of the BMW as 67-year-old Patrick J. Hastings of Churchville. He was not injured but showed signs of impairment at the scene. Police said Hastings failed standardized field sobriety tests and later provided a breath sample measuring 0.08% blood alcohol content. He was arrested and charged with second-degree vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, and other traffic-related offenses. Hastings was transported to the Genesee County Jail for arraignment.
The New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office are assisting with the ongoing investigation. Officials are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dash camera footage to contact authorities. The case remains under investigation, and additional details may be released as they become available.
We extend our condolences to the victim’s family.
What Evidence Is Used in DUI-Related Fatal Crash Investigations
In crashes involving suspected impairment, investigators gather multiple forms of evidence to determine what occurred.
Field sobriety tests, breath or blood alcohol results, and witness statements are key components in building a case.
Crash reconstruction, including vehicle damage and roadway evidence, also helps establish how the collision happened and whether impairment contributed to the outcome.
