Chester woman killed in Goshen car crash

By Nathan Mayberg
CHESTER — A 25-year-old Chester woman was killed early Friday morning when a vehicle she was a passenger in struck a tree off of Maple Avenue in the town of Goshen.

Caitlin Felder, a 2007 graduate of Warwick Valley High School, died after the car struck a tree and caught fire.

The vehicle was driven by David Schermerhorn, 24, of Warwick. Schermerhorn told police that he fell asleep.

According to Town of Goshen Police Chief Jim McDowell, the accident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m.

McDowell said Schermerhorn was driving a 2004 Dodge Neon when the vehicle drifted across the road and struck a tree, landing in a ditch. The vehicle is believed to have caught fire "rather quickly," McDowell said.

The vehicle struck the tree on the passenger side door, pinning Felder inside. McDowell believes the force of the crashed likely caused Felder to lose consciousness. Schermerhorn attempted to rescue Felder, but was unable to.

The Goshen Fire Department put out the fire and extricated Felder but she could not be saved. Goshen EMS and Town of Goshen police also responded. State police are handling the accident reconstruction and investigation.

The accident occurred on a straight stretch of rural road where the speed limit was posted at 35 miles per hour, McDowell said.

Schermerhorn escaped with minor injuries. He has not been charged and police do not believe alcohol was involved.

Reporter Nathan Mayberg can be reached by emailing comm.reporter@strausnews.com or by calling 845-469-9000 ext. 359.