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A birthday became tragic when 18 passengers and two passers-by died in a limousine accident Saturday in northern New York State.
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People lay flowers at the scene of the limousine accident of October 7, 2018 in Schoharie, N.Y.(Photo: Hans Pennink, AP)

One of the victims of the limousine accident in upstate New York, which killed 18 people on board, and two pedestrians voiced concerns about "l '# 39; "deplorable state" of the limousine less than 20 minutes before the tragedy, said his aunt.

The limousine was scheduled to attend a birthday party at a Cooperstown brewery after crashing down a winding road in rural Schoharie, about 160 km north of New York City. Two pedestrians were also killed.

Valerie Abeling said her niece, Erin McGowan, 34, and her husband Shane, 30, were among the victims of the limousine. Abel's daughter was busy and could not join the party, a time conflict that probably saved her life.

Abeling says In the Washington Post, Erin sent a text in which he complained about the state of the limousine, a last-minute replacement after a rented bus to transport the group broke down.

Erin, who worked in the office of a pediatrician, and Shane, who was working for Miracle Ear, got married in June.

"They were friends who started their lives, got married and that's how everything ended," Abeling said. "It's a tragic loss of beautiful souls."

More: What we know about the fatal limousine crash that killed 20 people

More: A "horrible" limousine accident kills 20 people in upstate New York

The police did not reveal the names of the victims, pending confirmation of the identifications and notification of family members. But some family members shared their stories.

Many victims came from Amsterdam, a city of less than 20,000 inhabitants located 40 km north of the crash site. The city has scheduled a vigil for Monday night.

Four of those killed were sisters, three of whom died with their husbands. Axel and Amy Steenburg, honeymooners from Amsterdam, rented the limousine, Axel Steenburg's father-in-law told the New York Times. The group had gathered for a surprise party on the occasion of the thirtieth birthday of Amy Steenburg.

In a Facebook message three days before the accident, Amy said that she liked Axel. The publication became a memorial for the couple, attracting hundreds of comments.

"I just wanted to say Axel Steenburg I love you more than words can say!" Amy wrote. "Thank you for being so kind and loving xo #justbecause #well"

Amy's sister, Abigail, her husband Adam Jackson, his sister Mary, her husband Rob Dyson and her sister Allison King have also died, the woman's aunt said.

"They had the responsibility to take a limo for not having to drive," Douglas told reporters. "These were wonderful girls. They would do anything for you, they were very close to each other and they loved their family. "

Andrea Hojohn Orokos has created a gofundme page for the family of Axel and his brother. Donations had reached more than $ 7,500 on the goal of $ 10,000 announced Monday.

"Saturday, Rich, Axel and other friends and family members were victims of an unfortunate bus accident," she wrote. "It's more devastating for all who knew them all – help us ease the burden during this time and make a donation for funeral expenses."

Amanda Halse, 26, and her boyfriend, Patrick Cushing, 31, also died in the limousine, Halse's sister, Karina, told Good Morning America. They had been dating for about a year, she said. Her sister texted her an hour before the accident, but Karina said that she had been busy and had not had a chance to answer.

"She was such a charismatic person and she just wanted to make sure everyone was happy," Karina Halse said. "I am so grateful that she is my sister among all others on this earth."

The National Transportation Safety Board and the state police were investigating the accident. The first Deputy Superintendent of State Police, Christopher Fiore, said the limo had set off a stop sign and hit a parked SUV and two pedestrians before stopping in a ditch.

Neither Fiore nor NTSB President Robert Sumwalt would say how fast the limousine was running or whether the passengers were wearing the seatbelt. But Sumwalt said that the investigation was a priority and that it would be thorough.

"This is one of the biggest casualties we've seen in a long time," he said.

Contribution: Joseph Spector, USA TODAY NETWORK; The Associated Press

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