State Police continue to investigate the deadly one-car crash that left two people dead off I-787 in Albany on October 12

Albany, New York – State Police are investigating a deadly crash that occurred off Interstate 787 in Albany on October 12, 2025, resulting in the deaths of two passengers and serious charges against the driver.

According to investigators, 25-year-old Imahjai Sutherland of Albany was behind the wheel of the vehicle when it crashed. Troopers arriving at the scene observed clear signs of intoxication and transported Sutherland to Albany Medical Center for treatment and testing. A blood sample was taken to determine the presence of drugs or alcohol.

The crash claimed the lives of two passengers, identified by authorities as 27-year-old Jamilla N. Tirado and 25-year-old Cepelynn T. Johnson, both from Albany. The impact of the crash was severe enough that emergency responders were unable to save the victims at the scene.

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Following her release from the hospital, Sutherland was taken into custody and transported to the State Police barracks in Latham. There, she was formally processed on multiple charges, including two counts of Manslaughter in the second degree, two counts of Assault in the second degree, Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Driving While Intoxicated, and several Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.

She was later arraigned in Albany City Court and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail.

Authorities have not released details on the cause of the crash or what led the vehicle to leave the roadway, but investigators continue to examine evidence from the scene and are awaiting toxicology results from the hospital.

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The State Police have urged drivers to remain vigilant and avoid impaired driving, noting that crashes involving alcohol or drugs continue to have devastating consequences for families and communities.

As the investigation continues, troopers are working to piece together the final moments before the collision that ended two young lives and left another facing serious criminal charges.