10/12/2018
The following message is being sent to all members of the SUNY Cortland community on behalf of President Erik J. Bitterbaum:
It is with deep sadness that I share that one of the 20 people killed in last weekend’s horrific limousine crash in Schoharie, N.Y. was one of SUNY Cortland’s own: Abigail King Jackson ’07, a middle school reading teacher and mother of two young daughters.
Abby was one of four sisters who died in the tragic accident, in which a stretch limousine carrying 18 people sped through an intersection, hit a parked car, fatally injured two pedestrians then crashed into a ditch, killing everyone inside the vehicle.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
What we know for sure is the pain caused by this loss is devastating to Abby’s surviving family, her friends and her community. It ripples far beyond those Abby knew personally to the millions of people throughout the country who read or watched coverage of the story and felt sympathy for the victims and those who will struggle forward without them.
One of those most closely impacted by the tragedy is another SUNY Cortland alum, Justin Cushing ’06. Justin's brother, Patrick, was also killed in the crash. Patrick, who worked for the New York State Senate, competed internationally in dodgeball as a member of the U.S. team led by yet another Red Dragon, Rob Immel ’03.
Our hearts are with the families and friends of all the victims.
I did not know Abby, and only recently learned that she had graduated with an elementary education degree from SUNY Cortland. Those who did know her describe her as a beloved teacher and a wonderful mother to her daughters, Archer, 4, and Elle, 16 months. Her husband, Adam Jackson, was also killed in the crash, and their children will be raised by their grandparents. A gofundme page has been set up on their behalf.
Funeral services for Abby and all three of her deceased sisters — Mary Dyson, Allison King, and Amy Steenburg — will be held jointly at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13 at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, 50-52 Cornell St., Amsterdam, N.Y. A private burial will be done at the convenience of the family.
Abby’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to help Archer and Elle. Arrangements are with Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home in Amsterdam. Classmates, faculty, staff or friends who remember Abby are encouraged to visit her online memorial.
Tragedies like this often stir emotions that can cause distress and difficulty with daily life. Please know that counseling services are available to students through the campus Counseling Center in B-44 Van Hoesen Hall and to faculty and staff through SUNY Cortland’s Employee Assistance Program.
All the best,
Erik J. Bitterbaum