UPDATED Trooper: 7 Year-Old Girl Dies in Somers Auto Accident
A 7-year-old girl, Madison Bookall, was killed in a one-car accident Saturday morning in Somers.
Tracey Bookall, a 42-year-old Katonah resident, was driving northbound on Mahopac Avenue in a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche when the vehicle went out of control and crashed around 11:35 a.m., according to State Police Investigator Armando Barquin of the Somers barracks. Bookall was traveling with her 7-year old twins Madison and Michael, Jr. who attend Primrose Elementary School in Somers.
“The vehicle sideswiped an oak tree then went over to the shoulder and flipped the car sideways against another oak tree and then it crashed into a wooden fence,” Barquin said. “We still have not figured out why, but I have not spoken with the mother yet.”
A witness driving southbound on Mahopac Avenue explained what he observed of the accident.
“We have a witness that just saw her drive off the road without braking,” Barquin said. “She may have taken her eyes off the road for a moment. She could have turned a way to look at the children. We just do not know.”
Everyone in the vehicle was wearing seat belts, according to police. There was no sign of alcohol being involved.
“It is just a terrible thing that happened,” Barquin said.
Tracey Bookall and her son Michael Bookall, Jr. — who was sitting on the driver-side of the vehicle — were transported by Somers Ambulance to Westchester Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. They were released from the hospital with minor injuries, Barquin said.
Madison Bookall, who was sitting on the passenger-side of the vehicle, was reported dead at the scene.
Michael F. Bookall Sr., the girl’s father, shared details with The Journal News but has not spoken with the state troopers yet.
Funeral arrangements have not been made public.
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