WTEN: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports - Teen dies in crash days after getting learner's permit

Teen dies in crash days after getting learner's permit

By DIANE LEE

STOCKPORT -- The scene of a fatal crash in Stockport has become a makeshift memorial as friends of 16-year-old Nicholas VanBenschoten and his passengers have come to lay flowers and keepsakes -- mourning the loss of a teenage driver who got his permit only ten days ago.

For James Smith, the crash has been a double blow. The driver, VanBenschoten, was his second cousin, and one of the passengers, Jeff Beaulieu, was his best friend. 

"I feel pain right now because of Jeff, and Nick, the family, losing him," said Smith. 

"Today in school there's a lot of people crying and really sad," he said.

Beaulieu and the other passenger, Allison Shaw were taken to Albany Medical Center.  VanBenschoten died at the scene.

Police say the 16-year-old was speeding along a country road around 11:15 Monday night when he drove into a culvert that eventually sent the car airborne. It crashed into a stone pillar on the driver's side. 

Ken Finck who lives near the scene describes Southers as "a dangerous road."

"It's not an easy road especially for a young driver," he says.

VanBenschoten only had his junior permit for ten days. No licensed guardian was in the car, he was out well past 9:00pm, and carrying passengers--all of which are illegal.

The three victims all went to Ichabod Crane High School. Superintendent James Dexter brought in crisis counselors the moment he learned the news.

"Our kids are our future and they are the most valuable commodity we have," said Dexter.

"When you find out one of them is no longer with you, it's just devastating."

NEWS10 has learned Allison Shaw is now home from the hospital with a broken collar bone.Jeff Beaulieu is still at Albany Med in critical condition.