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Falls police update Bentley crash
This release from Niagara Falls Police regarding the Rainbow Bridge crash that claimed the lives of Kurt and Monica Villani.
“The investigation into the crash at the Rainbow Bridge is continuing by the Niagara Falls Police Department’s Crash Management Unit.
“The data recorder for the vehicle has been recovered but appears to have been severely damaged in the crash. Officers are diligently working toward recovering any information from the recorder.
“Investigating Officers are in communication with Bentley Motors, they have provided us with documentation about prior recalls as well as general information about the data recorder, ‘black box’ (location in the vehicle etc.)
“Bentley Motors is requiring subpoenas to release any personal information, documentation, and records on this particular vehicle. Our Officers are working with the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office to secure said subpoenas.
“NFPD has been in contact with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. We have been advised they are meeting this week to discuss the crash and other Bentley issues.
“We are waiting on the Medical Examiner’s report.
“As this investigation progresses and more information is gained, NFPD will do our best to get it out.”
Analysis: Bentley requiring a subpoena to release repair records jives with hearsay in the community last week about the car having just been returned from the manufacturer because of a problem with the accelerator sticking.
A source said the Villanis owned multiple Bentleys but the
Flying Spur was said to be their favorite. The Grand Island home they shared is valued at $1.6 million.
Interestingly, representatives of the Seneca Niagara Casino, where the Villanis visited immediately before the crash, said from the outset that they would fully cooperate with surveillance video.
