Bloomingburg Mom Charged With DUI in Crash That Killed 2-Year-Old Son

A Hudson Valley mother was charged with killing her 2-year-old son while driving under the influence of drugs.

Tuesday, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that Nicole Smith, 27, of Bloomingburg was arraigned on an indictment charging her with aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, aggravated operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs, felonies, and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs and reckless driving, misdemeanors.

According to the indictment, on March 19, 2016 Smith attempted to pass another vehicle by crossing the double yellow line on Route 17K in Montgomery. As she was attempting to pass, her car hit the other vehicle which caused Smith’s car to go off the roadway, hit an embankment, and drive into a tree.

As a result of the crash, Smith’s 2-year-old son was ejected from the car and died from his injuries.

At the time of the crash Smith was allegedly impaired by a number of drugs, including Methadone and Alprozolam.

"It is very sad when people who, due to their negligence, place innocent children who rely on them for security and protection in harm’s way,” said Town of Montgomery Police Chief Arnold Amthor in a statement. “It is a tragedy when those actions take a life. I would like to thank the New York State Police for providing their invaluable support in this case."

“Driving under the influence of prescription medications is as dangerous as driving while intoxicated,” said District Attorney Hoovler. “I can think of no more tragic circumstance than a mother killing her son. Fatalities caused by those who drive recklessly while under the influence of drugs or alcohol are as tragic as they are preventable.”

Bail was set at in the amount of $250,000 cash or $500,000 bond. Smith is currently in the Orange County Jail and is scheduled to appear in County Court on July 5.