Grieving Families after Fatal Accident in Wellsville

The tragic loss of two teenagers, Derrick Smith, 17, and Gavin Odell, 18, from Canisteo due to a car crash in Wellsville has left their families devastated. The crash occurred on a rainy, foggy night on a winding back road, and it seems the teenagers were joyriding. There is no indication of alcohol or drugs being involved in the accident. Derrick's aunt, Yvonne Thomas, shared how difficult it is to cope with the absence of her nephew, recalling his friendly and cheerful nature along with his love for fishing and camping. Despite facing challenges and dropping out of high school, Derrick was working towards obtaining his GED and improving his future. His grandfather, Eric Thomas, who had cared for him since birth, is heartbroken by the tragedy. He plans to scatter Derrick's ashes at locations his grandson had hoped to visit, starting with Indianapolis Speedway. Gavin Odell's family described him as having a kind heart and a great sense of humor, bringing joy to all those around him. They remember him for his warm hugs, love for the Bills, and his grandma's cooking. To help cover funeral costs, both families have established GoFundMe pages. You can support Derrick's family here and Gavin's family here.