Jean Hipwell Obituary, Death News – Authorities in Bethlehem are investigating two related vehicle accidents that took place on Route 9W Friday afternoon, both involving the same driver. According to the Bethlehem Police Department, the incidents occurred within minutes of each other and tragically resulted in the death of an elderly passenger from Glenmont.
Police said they first received reports of a possibly erratic driver traveling along Route 9W around 12:48 p.m. While officers were responding, a second call came in reporting a crash near Wemple Road. When emergency crews arrived, they discovered a serious two-vehicle collision that appeared to have been caused by a driver who had crossed into the opposite lane of traffic.
Investigators identified the driver as 83-year-old William Morehouse of West Coxsackie. According to police, Morehouse was operating a car that crossed over the center line and collided head-on with a Bethlehem Senior Transportation Service vehicle that had been traveling southbound.
Inside the transportation vehicle was 88-year-old Jean Hipwell of Glenmont, who was a passenger at the time of the crash. Emergency medical personnel quickly responded and transported Hipwell to St. Peter’s Hospital after she reported experiencing chest pain. Sadly, officials later confirmed that she passed away from her injuries.
The driver of the Bethlehem Senior Transportation Service vehicle did not sustain any physical injuries, though police noted that they were understandably shaken by the event. Morehouse, the driver of the car involved in both crashes, was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for a leg injury.
As officers continued their investigation at the scene, they learned that the head-on collision near Wemple Road had not been the first incident involving Morehouse that day. Just two minutes earlier, police said, Morehouse had been involved in a separate crash on Route 9W near Church Road. In that earlier accident, authorities believe he again crossed into the opposite lane, sideswiping another vehicle traveling south.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the first collision. Both Morehouse and the driver of the other car were unhurt, though there was minor vehicle damage.
Bethlehem Police emphasized that both crashes remain under investigation, and it has not yet been determined what caused Morehouse’s vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic in both cases. Officials are examining a range of possible factors, including medical conditions, driver fatigue, and mechanical failure. At this point, no criminal charges have been filed.
Authorities said that Route 9W was temporarily closed in both directions for several hours on Friday afternoon as emergency responders worked to assist victims, clear debris, and document the scene for investigative purposes. Tow trucks and crash reconstruction teams were also brought in to help piece together the sequence of events.
Bethlehem Police expressed their condolences to the family of Jean Hipwell, who was remembered by community members as a kind and active resident of Glenmont. Officials from the Bethlehem Senior Transportation Service also released a statement acknowledging the loss, saying their thoughts are with Hipwell’s loved ones and the other individuals affected by the accident.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed either crash to contact their department. Investigators hope that additional information from witnesses or dashcam footage could help clarify the circumstances leading up to both collisions.
Local residents described the stretch of Route 9W where the crashes occurred as busy and sometimes difficult to navigate, especially during midday hours when traffic is heavy. Some drivers said they had noticed cars occasionally crossing the center line on that section of road, often due to distraction or confusion with the lane markings.
As of Monday morning, authorities said Morehouse remains under medical care but is expected to recover from his injuries. Police have not provided an update on whether any citations or further actions will result from the ongoing investigation.
The Bethlehem Police Department continues to work closely with traffic safety experts and other agencies to determine the exact cause of both incidents. They reiterated the importance of driver awareness and regular health checkups for older motorists, noting that even minor lapses in attention or reaction time can lead to serious outcomes.
For now, both crashes are being treated as tragic and isolated roadway events, with authorities focused on understanding what led to the series of collisions and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
