Driver of SUV identified in deadly Metro-North accident that killed 5 others

VALHALLA, N.Y. -- Sources have identified Ellen Brody as the driver of the SUV involved in Tuesday night's Metro-North accident that killed 5 other people, all men who were riding in the first car of the train.

(Ellen Brody via LinkedIn)

Brody, 49, was a mother of three who was on her way home Tuesday night when the accident happened.

For 15 years, Brody worked in a jewelry store on Greeley Avenue in Chappaqua. Co-workers described her as a ray of sunshine, always putting other people ahead of herself.

"She was such a good person, such an amazing mom, a friend like you wouldn't believe. But I have to tell you, whoever she encountered in life, she just..they left smiling, they always left smiling," said co-worker Virginia Shasha.

Friends said they have driven with Ellen many times and have no reason to think that she was anything but a good and safe driver, and have no explanation for what happened.

Many of the victims were from Westchester County, but officials will need dental records to positively identify them because of the extent of their injuries. Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino received one family member so far at the medical examiner's office. More family members are expected.

"The wife that I spoke to inside is obviously grieving," he said. "It's an enormously difficult day for her. She met with the medical examiner, with the Red Cross. I offered her any assistance she needs...from the county. She drove her by herself...She brought the dental records in."

Once dental records arrive at the office, it could take up to a day to positively identify these victims. After that, names will be publicly released.

Several injured victims were taken to Westchester Medical Center. One person is in critical condition, one is serious, four are fair, two are in good condition and four have been discharged, according to hospital personnel.

Dr. Joseph Turkowski said the silver lining is that the injuries were not as numerous or as serious as they could have been.

The injuries treated included lacerations, dislocations, some crush injuries, open fractures, smoke inhalation and burns.

State minority leader Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins released a statement Wednesday on the wreck.

"This was a horrific tragedy," she said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones and those that have been injured. There will be a full investigation into this heartbreaking incident and over the next few days we will find out exactly what happened. Now is the time for all us to support those so deeply affected by this tragedy."

Sen. Terrence Murphy represents the 40th District in New York, which includes Valhalla.

"My heart goes out to the families of all those affected by this immense tragedy in Valhalla," he said. "We are all praying for them. I thank the dedicated first responders who quickly came to aid of those in need. Moving forward, we must do everything in our power to compile the facts of this tragedy and determine how we can better protect our neighbors and loved ones in the future."

Metro-North has set up a family assistance center for those affected by the crash at the Mount Pleasant Town Hall in Valhalla. The agency also has established a hotline for information about Tuesday's deadly crash at 1-800-638-7646.