Traffic-based fatalities are down in NY
Between 2019 and 2022, traffic fatalities increased 17% across the US.
A western New York teacher and football coach died this week after he drove off the Niagara Scenic Parkway and into the Niagara River.
Jason Beckman, 52, of North Tonawanda died when his Jeep became submerged in the river, near the Bird overlook, a waterfowl viewing area by Niagara Falls, according to New York State Park Police.
Jeep enters Niagara River
An eastbound Jeep entered the Niagara River around 9:15 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 6. State Park Police, New York State Police, Niagara Falls Police and Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to the scene and searched for the submerged vehicle using drones and the aviation and underwater dive teams. They also searched the shoreline on foot.
The submerged Jeep was located roughly 50 feet offshore around 10:50 a.m., said Trooper James O’Callaghan. On Monday, State Police divers recovered a body from the water. That person – later identified as Beckman, was pronounced dead and his body was taken to the Erie County Medical Center for an autopsy.
No one else was missing as a result of the crash, O’Callaghan said.
Who was Jason Beckman?
A physical education teacher at Amherst Middle School, Beckman worked for Amherst Central School District for 29 years, according to district officials. He was also Amherst’s varsity football coach and coach of the boys’ varsity bowling team.
“The Amherst Central School District mourns the death of Jason Beckman, who has been a member of our school family for more than 29 years. In his role as an Amherst Middle School physical education teacher, a varsity football coach and boys varsity bowling coach, Mr. Beckman taught and coached countless students. As a community, we are grieving and plans are in place to support faculty, staff and students during this difficult time.”
According to the Buffalo News, Beckman was a standout football player in high school, then was a quarterback and honor student at Canisius College, now University, in Buffalo. He held a master’s degree in education from Canisius.
Beckman, according to the Buffalo News, was active in youth football and was recognized for his volunteer work by Section VI for keeping statistics for the sectional championship games. Amherst Town Board member Shawn Lavin in a social media post said Beckman was a teacher, coach and mentor to many youngsters in the Amherst community.