Samantha Lezin Killed in Tragic Head-On Crash on Route 6: Beloved Daughter and Lab Technician from New City Mourned by Grieving Family and Friends

WOODBURY, NY — The tight-knit communities of Rockland and Orange counties are in deep mourning after the sudden and heartbreaking death of Samantha Lezin, a 26-year-old New City resident, who was killed in a devastating head-on collision on Route 6 in Woodbury on the afternoon of May 6. A vibrant and compassionate young woman known for her dedication to family, her love of science, and her quiet strength, Samantha was traveling to a routine doctor’s appointment when the fatal crash occurred.

According to family members and New York State Police, the crash happened along a notoriously dangerous stretch of Route 6, a winding road that has become synonymous with tragic accidents. The impact of the collision was so severe that it claimed Samantha’s life instantly — ending a future filled with hope and promise.

A Final Phone Call, A Last “I Love You”

Samantha’s final moments began as any other day might. After finishing her shift as a lab technician — a role in which she took immense pride — she called her mother to check in. It was a ritual that had become part of her routine. Her last words during that call were the same ones she used nearly every day: “I love you.”

Neither could have known those would be the last words they’d ever share.

“She was just driving, going about her day,” said Andreanna Whittaker, Samantha’s lifelong friend. “It was a regular day, but she never came home.”

Whittaker, choking back emotion, said she has struggled to accept the loss. “I keep waking up hoping it’s all a mistake — that I’m going to get a text from her or hear her laugh. But she’s really gone.”

A Life Full of Compassion, Promise, and Purpose

Born and raised in New City, Samantha Lezin was a bright light in every room she entered. Described by family members as gentle but determined, she was the kind of person who made others feel seen and valued. A graduate of Clarkstown North High School, she had gone on to earn a degree in biology and began working as a lab technician at a local medical facility.

“She was fascinated by science and wanted to help people,” said one former professor. “But it wasn’t just about the science for her — it was about making a difference.”

Friends recall Samantha as a caring listener, a loyal confidante, and someone who prioritized the well-being of others. She loved spending weekends with her family, helping her grandmother in the garden, and planning spontaneous weekend road trips with friends. She had dreams of returning to school to pursue a graduate degree in medical research.

“She talked about wanting to study cancer biology,” Whittaker said. “She had this dream of finding a way to make chemotherapy less painful for patients. That was Samantha — always thinking about how to ease someone else’s suffering.”

The Crash That Took Her Life

Authorities report that the crash occurred in the early afternoon hours of Monday, May 6, along Route 6 in Woodbury, a corridor often criticized for its dangerous design and high number of accidents. Samantha, traveling alone in her vehicle to a doctor’s appointment, collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle in a section of the road with limited visibility and narrow shoulders.

Emergency personnel arrived quickly, but tragically, there was nothing they could do to save her. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Law enforcement has not yet publicly released the full accident report, citing an active investigation. Officials have also not disclosed information about the driver or occupants of the other vehicle involved, or whether excessive speed, distraction, or weather may have been contributing factors.

A Dangerous Road with a Grim Reputation

Route 6, particularly the segment cutting through Woodbury and adjacent areas, has long been known by locals as one of the region’s most hazardous highways. The winding lanes, sharp curves, inconsistent lighting, and minimal shoulders make the road challenging even for experienced drivers.

“There are far too many crosses along Route 6,” said a local resident who lives near the crash site. “It’s heartbreaking, and it’s unacceptable.”

In the past five years alone, multiple fatal collisions have been recorded along the stretch, prompting repeated calls for state and county officials to implement safety improvements — including speed limit reductions, increased patrol presence, and structural redesigns.

The loss of Samantha Lezin has reignited these calls with new urgency.

“This road has claimed too many lives,” said a Rockland County legislator. “Samantha’s death is not just a tragedy — it’s a warning. We must act now to prevent another family from enduring this pain.”

A Community in Mourning

The announcement of Samantha’s death sent shockwaves through Rockland County. Friends, neighbors, former classmates, and coworkers flooded social media with tributes, sharing stories of her kindness, her intelligence, and her vibrant energy.

“She had this light in her,” read one post from a high school friend. “She never raised her voice, but she could calm any storm. I can’t believe she’s gone.”

At a candlelight vigil held three days after the crash in Samantha’s hometown, hundreds gathered to honor her memory. Candles flickered in silence as loved ones embraced beneath the soft orange glow of a spring sunset.

A memory wall displayed photos of Samantha throughout the years — playing violin at a school concert, holding her newborn cousin, beaming in her lab coat on her first day at work. One note, taped beside the images, simply read: “We will never stop loving you.”

Her Legacy Lives On

Though her life was tragically cut short, efforts are already underway to ensure Samantha Lezin’s legacy lives on. Family and friends have announced the creation of the Samantha Lezin Memorial Fund, which will support scholarships for young women pursuing careers in medical and scientific fields — a cause deeply aligned with Samantha’s own life and dreams.

“Samantha believed in the power of knowledge,” her mother said in a statement. “She believed that science could change the world, and that one person really could make a difference. We want her story to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.”

Several coworkers from her lab have also pledged to create an annual award in her name, recognizing exceptional compassion and professionalism among new hires.

“She was the heart of our team,” said a colleague. “Losing her is like losing a sister. But through this award, we’ll keep her memory alive in the place she gave so much of herself.”

A Heartbreaking Farewell

Funeral services for Samantha were held the following weekend at a local church in New City. The ceremony was intimate but overflowing with emotion — a testament to the wide circle of people touched by her life.

Friends spoke of her generosity, her sense of humor, and the quiet way she lifted others. Family members shared stories from her childhood, recalling her love of animals, her insatiable curiosity, and the way she used to carry around a stethoscope at age seven, determined to become a doctor.

“Samantha had so much life ahead of her,” her sister said through tears. “We were supposed to grow old together. But even in 26 years, she left an imprint that most people don’t leave in 90.”

In a final, poignant gesture, doves were released outside the church as a choir softly sang “Amazing Grace.” The silence that followed was heavy — full of grief, yes, but also gratitude for the life she lived and the love she gave.

Beyond Tragedy: A Call to Action

As Samantha’s loved ones begin the painful process of healing, many are turning their sorrow into purpose. In addition to the memorial fund, community leaders and activists are organizing a petition urging state officials to overhaul Route 6, implement stricter safety measures, and conduct a full traffic study.

“This isn’t just about one crash,” said a local advocate. “It’s about every life we stand to lose if we do nothing. Let Samantha’s death be the last on that road.”

In Loving Memory

Samantha Lezin was more than the victim of a car crash. She was a daughter, a sister, a scientist, and a friend. She was the kind of person who noticed when others were hurting, who dreamed big and worked hard, and who left behind a legacy of kindness and purpose.

Her final words to her mother were, “I love you.”

And in the wake of her loss, those who loved her are echoing that phrase back — in vigils, in tributes, in scholarships, and in action.

She may be gone, but she is not forgotten.

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