By Leila Merrill
EMS1
NEWBURGH, N.Y. — Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced this week that his office will not file charges against a man who ran over and killed a paramedic at the end of her shift on Dec. 16.
Hoovler’s office has completed its investigation into the fatal accident involving Paramedic Lisa Sillins, 55, the Hudson Valley Post reported. Sillins had been walking across Route 9W to get to the employee parking lot when the van hit her.
“Lisa worked in the local EMS industry for more than 20 years. She is a core member of the Ambulnz family and one of the original team members of our Upstate New York operation. Her friends and family will never forget her joyful attitude, sense of humor and fun. Above all, she was devoted to her work in EMS and to those she worked with,” Ambulnz by DocGo - Hudson Valley said in a Facebook post last month.
Initial reports of the incident said the driver who struck Sillins was drunk, however, a toxicology report found that the driver was not under the influece of any alcohol, illicit drugs or prescription medication at the time.
“This was a tragic accident which claimed the life of someone who had devoted their life to helping others,” Hoovler stated. “It is clear from the toxicology report and the digital evidence that no charges should be brought against the driver. No alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medication were found in the blood of the driver, and the digital recording shows no traffic infractions. As District Attorney, it is my duty not just to prosecute the guilty, but to protect the innocent. The evidence in this case shows that this was a tragic accident not a crime.”