An 82-year-old Jamaica-born church leader, Bishop Donald Maxwell, and his 88-year-old wife, Liscent B. Maxwell, a minister, tragically lost their lives in a devastating six-car pile-up on the Southern State Parkway in Long Island, New York. The couple, who resided in Westbury, Long Island, were returning from an event when their vehicle was struck head-on by an out-of-control Cadillac Escalade. The driver of the Escalade, 36-year-old Diana Kutateladzo, has since been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, assault, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving.
The fatal collision, which occurred last Sunday night, involved ten individuals and six vehicles. While the majority of those involved sustained non-life-threatening injuries, Bishop and Mrs. Maxwell succumbed to the impact. Bishop Donald Maxwell was a prominent figure in the religious community, serving as the general overseer of the Pentecostal City Mission Church in Far Rockaway, Queens. He had migrated from Jamaica in his teenage years and built a life of service and faith in New York alongside his wife, Liscent B. Maxwell, who was also a respected minister within the church.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly among the congregation of the Pentecostal City Mission Church and the wider Jamaican diaspora in New York. The loss of two such esteemed and beloved figures has left many grieving and grappling with the suddenness of their passing. Details emerging from the investigation indicate that the driver of the Cadillac Escalade was under the influence, leading to the severe charges filed against her. This tragic event underscores the severe consequences of impaired driving and the ripple effect it has on countless lives.
The Maxwells were known for their dedication to their faith and their community. Bishop Maxwell's leadership at the Pentecostal City Mission Church spanned many years, during which he guided and inspired numerous individuals. His wife, Liscent, was an equally integral part of the church's ministry, offering spiritual guidance and support to congregants. Their combined legacy of faith, service, and community involvement will undoubtedly be remembered and cherished by those whose lives they touched. The ongoing legal proceedings against the driver responsible for the crash will continue to unfold as the community mourns the profound loss of Bishop and Mrs. Maxwell.
