Maria Eichas, 18, of Spencerport, was killed in a car crash on Burritt Road in Parma around 1 a.m. on Sunday, June 2. The 2023 Spencerport High School graduate died at the scene after the SUV she was driving was struck from behind. A passenger in her car was hospitalized and treated for their injuries.
The driver of the other vehicle, Alexander Hackett, 33, of Parma, was taken to the hospital for evaluation and later arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter. According to the felony complaint, Hackett admitted to investigators that he had consumed at least four beers before operating the vehicle and that he was unaware he had been driving on Burritt Road at the time of the crash.
Hackett was arraigned in Parma Town Court and taken to Monroe County Jail on $40,000 bail.
The crash remains under investigation.
Maria was a 2023 graduate of Spencerport High School where she was a member of the girls basketball team. Counselors were available for students and staff and the Cosgrove library was open Tuesday evening for people to gather, remember and support each other. District Superintendent Ty Zinkiewich also asked the community to wear Spencerport’s blue and gold colors on Wednesday in a show of support. He said, “The Eichas family shared Maria’s love of this district, and we want to demonstrate our love for her in return.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the Eichas family with funeral and other expenses (https://gofund.me/f18431e2). The page reads: “Maria was a remarkable young woman whose talents and vibrant personality touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She was not just an athlete but an amazing teammate as well. She also had a profound love for music. She possessed a beautiful voice that captivated those who heard her sing, and her passion for music was evident in every performance. More than her talents, it was Maria’s loving personality that truly made her shine.
She had an extraordinary ability to brighten any room with her presence. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support made her a cherished friend to many. Maria was deeply committed to her community, always eager to lend a helping hand and spread joy wherever she went.”
Maria is survived by her parents, Scott and Jennifer; her brother, Sam; grandparents, Jerry and Leigh, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.
Friends may call Sunday, June 9, 4 to 7 p.m., at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 962 East Avenue, Rochester. Trisagion Service will be held at 7 p.m. Her Funeral Service will be held Monday, June 10, 10 a.m., at the church. Interment to follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Brockport. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Maria’s name to a charity close to one’s heart.
