A tragic wrong-way crash on the Southern State Parkway in Long Island has led to serious criminal charges against a 36-year-old driver, as authorities continue efforts to curb reckless driving on one of the region’s busiest highways.
According to the New York State Police, the crash happened late Sunday night, March 15, around 10:15 p.m., when the accused driver, Diana Kutateladze of Oceanside, was traveling westbound before losing control of her vehicle. Investigators say her car sideswiped another vehicle, crossed the center median, and continued driving in the wrong direction—westbound in the eastbound lanes.
What followed was a devastating chain reaction.
Authorities confirmed that multiple vehicles were struck before Kutateladze’s car collided head-on with a 2016 Toyota Highlander. Inside that vehicle were Donald Maxwell, 82, and his wife Liscent Maxwell, 88, who were returning home from church. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office described the couple as individuals who “stood for peace and service,” making the loss even more heartbreaking for the community.
In total, the crash involved six vehicles and ten people. Several victims were rushed to nearby hospitals with injuries, while Kutateladze’s husband—who was also in the car—remains hospitalized in critical condition with severe head trauma and a brain bleed.
Prosecutors revealed that Kutateladze was allegedly driving at approximately 81 mph at the time of the crash. Her blood alcohol content was recorded at 0.15, nearly double the legal limit. Officials also stated that she admitted to consuming a whiskey-based drink before getting behind the wheel.
She now faces a long list of serious charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, multiple counts of manslaughter, vehicular assault, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving. She has pleaded not guilty and has been remanded into custody. If convicted, she could face a prison sentence ranging from over 8 years to up to 25 years.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 20, 2026.
In response to the incident and rising concerns about dangerous driving on the parkway, the New York State Police have launched “Operation Southern Shield,” a targeted enforcement initiative aimed at reducing crashes and improving road safety. The operation will continue through June 12, with increased patrols and stricter monitoring of speeding, impaired driving, and reckless behavior.
This incident serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of impaired driving—not just for those behind the wheel, but for innocent lives caught in its path.
