CALLICOON CENTER – A weekend trip to visit family in Callicoon Center turned tragic on Memorial Day, May 29, when two pedestrians were hit and killed at 1542 Gulf Road.

Maliya Hardenbergh, 14, who was a student at West Middle School in Binghamton, planned to spend the long holiday weekend visiting her cousin, 22-year-old William Hardenbergh of Callicoon Center.

According to New York State Police reports, the two were out for a walk at approximately 3 a.m. on May 29 when they were hit by a car driven by 24-year-old Roscoe resident Alyssa Diaz.

Police said Diaz was driving a 2012 Honda when she struck and killed the two pedestrians, who were walking along the roadway. 

According to police reports, Diaz called 911 and stayed at the scene following the collision.

Police said both pedestrians were pronounced deceased at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

Gulf Road is an unlit road – for the most part – which connects Callicoon Center and Roscoe, winding past farms, residences with two steep mountains on either side. The accident occurred approximatley 1/2 mile outside of the hamlet of Callicoon Center heading toward Roscoe.

“That whole family is a joy to be with,” Tilly Hauser, a close family friend, said. “Maliya came down to spend the weekend with her cousin. They were very close…very similar. That’s probably why they got along so well.

“William had a good heart, kind of a loner in a way and also wanted to be part [of the action] in another way,” Hauser said. “He loved basketball.”

Hauser said William had a part-time job as a custodian at BOCES and was eyeing a full-time position in the coming months.

“The family is doing as well as could be expected,” Hauser said. “William’s grandmother, Elise Wilkersen, is finding comfort in knowing that he has now gone to heaven to be with his great-grandmother, Thelma Herbert.”

Please see complete obituary, page 2B.