NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — Niagara Falls Police have identified the two people who died in the Rainbow Bridge crash on Wednesday as Grand Island residents Kurt Villani and Monica Villani.
Both were 53-years-old.
UPDATE: Niagara Falls Police have identified the couple who died in Wednesday’s crash at the Rainbow Bridge as Kurt and Monica Villani from Grand Island. Both were 53 years old. @WKBW
— Taylor Epps (@taylor_epps_) November 24, 2023
The couple owned Gui's Lumber in Grand Island. The Erie County Sheriff's Office released the following statement Friday afternoon on behalf of the Villani, Maniccia and Gui's Lumber families:
"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that extended prayers, condolences and well wishes. We are deeply touched. At this point, we are requesting privacy so we may begin the process of healing. Thank you."
7 News interviewed Kurt Villani in 2014, as he and his son donated turkeys during a Rock Out Hunger event.
Nearly 200 comments were left under a 7 News Facebook post from Friday morning honoring the couple. One read, "The most wonderful, giving people in Buffalo. This is true loss for the community."
As previously reported, just before 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed crashed into a median on Niagara Street, went airborne, and crashed into a U.S. Customs and Border Protection booth at the Rainbow Bridge. The vehicle and booth exploded.
Niagara Falls Police are still investigating the crash.
7 News received the following statement from the Seneca Nation:
"We are cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation into the incident that occurred near the Rainbow Bridge. We have reviewed and provided information related to a vehicle that stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino only for a matter of minutes shortly before the crash occurred."
