Staff Report / November 10, 2025
WELLSVILLE, N.Y. – Two teenagers from Canisteo were killed in a single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning after the SUV they were riding in veered off Tarantine Boulevard and struck a utility pole, according to New York State Police.
Troopers were called to the scene at approximately 2:24 a.m. and found a 2020 Buick Encore heavily damaged on the driver’s side. Investigators said the vehicle failed to navigate a sharp curve while heading eastbound, causing it to leave the roadway before colliding with the pole. Six teenagers were inside at the time of the crash.
Four of the occupants, the 17-year-old driver, a 14-year-old front passenger, and two additional passengers ages 15 and 16 sustained minor injuries and were transported to Jones Memorial Hospital for treatment. The two remaining passengers, identified as 17-year-old Derrick Smith and 18-year-old Gavin Odell, both of Canisteo, were pronounced dead at the scene. State Police said Smith had been riding in the rear cargo area, while Odell was seated directly behind the driver. Autopsies have been scheduled as part of the investigation.
Authorities said there is currently no indication that impairment played a role in the crash. The NYSP Collision Reconstruction Unit and Bureau of Criminal Investigation are assisting, and the investigation remains active.
