1 dead in White Plains wrong-way crash involving allegedly drunk firefighter

WHITE PLAINS (WABC) -- Authorities are investigating a fatal head-on collision in White Plains early Monday involving an off-duty firefighter.

Police say the firefighter, 34-year-old Erik Refvik, was intoxicated while driving his Ford Tahoe the wrong way on South Lexington Avenue, a one-way street, at about 4:30 a.m. when he crashed into another car at the intersection of Martine Avenue.

The second car, a gray sedan, had two people inside. The passenger, identified as 47-year-old Reyda LaMadrid, was pronounced dead at the scene.

That driver, 49-year-old Edgar Lopez, in serious but stable condition at Westchester Medical Center.

Authorities say the pair was making rounds delivering newspapers.

Refvik sustained minor lacerations and facial injuries.

Authorities say his blood alcohol content was .145, nearly twice the legal limit. Refvik is charged with criminally negligent homicide and DWI, and he will be arraigned from his hospital bed at Westchester Medical Center. Further toxicology tests are expected, and additional charges are possible.

The accident happened in the business district of White Plains, near the Galleria Mall.