Man killed in wrong-way crash honored in Watervliet

WATERVLIET, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- On Thursday, the City of Watervliet dedicated a memorial flagpole to Eric Hurley, a water department employee who was killed in a wrong-way crash in October. The dedicated flagpole stands outside the Water Filtration Plant on Route 155. In addition to the flagpole, a plaque was also placed in remembrance of all the Water Department employees who passed away. "Watervliet has been fortunate to have so many outstanding employees who have worked tirelessly to serve our residents and provide some of the highest-quality drinking water in the region," Watervliet Mayor Charles Patricelli said. "With the loss of Eric last Columbus Day in a tragic drunk-driving accident, we lost not only a valued employee, but also a good man and a friend to many." Hurley was killed on I-787 after a drunk driver, Lewis Thomas, was driving south in a northbound lane, struck Hurley's car. Thomas was later charged with manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, and assault in the crash and has since pleaded guilty. At the time of his death, Hurley's coworkers said he had recently been promoted to chief operator in Watervliet and dreamed of becoming commissioner someday. A tree was also planted at the site in Hurley's honor. "May this flagpole serve as a lasting tribute to Eric Hurley and to all Water Department employees whose service and commitment helped make Watervliet the community it is today," Patricelli said.