14 DAY TRIAL // The driver of a Ford Explorer that caused a chain collision on the Tappan Bridge yesterday might have been suffering from “some other medical issues,” police say.
According to Lohud, officials “don’t believe that alcohol or drugs were involved” in the crash. Motorist Michael Schechel, 69, of Thiells has an anxiety attack right before embarking on the journey that left one woman dead.
56-year-old nurse Luz Hoffman has stated that she was in the car with him at the time. A friend of Schechel's, she describes that he suffers from lupus and an unidentified respiratory illness and she sometimes provides medical assistance.
Another friend, Vinny Lupi, confirms that he is on a lot of medication. Police are still investigating as blood test results on the driver are still pending.