OLIVE, N.Y. — A quiet Sunday morning on Route 28 in the Town of Olive, outside Kingston in New York’s Hudson Valley, turned deadly when two vehicles collided head-on, killing a 19-year-old former Long Island lacrosse player and a 72-year-old medical supplies executive.
New York State Police said Peter B. Bonenfant and Philip F. Jacobus both died after the early morning crash in Ulster County.
Bonenfant was driving a 2024 Chevrolet westbound shortly before 6:50 a.m. when his vehicle crossed over into the eastbound lane. The Chevrolet then struck Jacobus’ 2021 Mercedes-Benz, resulting in a devastating collision.
First responders had to extricate both men from their vehicles.
Bonenfant was taken to HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston, where he later died from his injuries. Jacobus was transported to MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, where he also succumbed to his injuries.
Police Investigate Why Car Crossed Center Line
Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash, but officials have not yet provided an explanation for why Bonenfant’s vehicle crossed into the lane carrying oncoming traffic.
The circumstances leading up to the collision remain unclear.
Investigators will now work to determine what happened in the moments before the crash and what caused the Chevrolet to leave its lane.
The deadly collision has left two families grieving, including a Long Island family mourning a teenager whose future had appeared to be just beginning.
Medical Executive Philip Jacobus Remembered
Jacobus, a Kingston resident, was a longtime figure in the medical equipment industry.
He founded Owen Kane Holdings, a Wall Street-based medical equipment supplier, and served as its president. He also created and became CEO of DOTmed, which describes itself as a leading marketplace for medical equipment.
Jacobus had worked in the medical industry since the 1970s. According to his biography, his career included work in both the People’s Republic of China and the Soviet Union before he founded his companies in 1999.
His death marks the loss of an experienced business executive who spent decades working in the medical equipment field.
Former Long Island Lacrosse Star Had Big Plans
Bonenfant’s death has also devastated the Long Island community where he grew up.
The 2025 Smithtown West graduate had been a standout lacrosse player and had committed to play Division I lacrosse at Queens University of Charlotte.
However, before the 2025 fall semester, Bonenfant decided not to attend the North Carolina school. Instead, he chose to remain closer to home and pursue training to become an electrician, according to Newsday.
Bonenfant was the adoptive son of Chris Bonenfant, a retired Suffolk County and NYPD officer.
Friends and loved ones remembered the teenager for his bright personality, positive attitude and ability to make people feel welcome.
A GoFundMe established for his family described him as someone who brought energy into a room and made people feel comfortable and valued.
Family Remembers Teen’s Love of Cars
Outside of lacrosse and his career plans, Bonenfant was known for his love of cars.
He frequently featured different vehicles he enjoyed working on across his social media accounts, reflecting a passion that was an important part of his life.
His family and friends are now left remembering the teenager for the impression he made during his short life.
“Peter deserved more time,” the GoFundMe memorial said, emphasizing that he should have had the opportunity to grow older, make more memories and continue being there for the people he loved.
The tribute described Bonenfant as more than simply a friend, son, brother or loved one, saying he was someone who made life brighter simply by being part of it.
Investigation Continues After Fatal Collision
The Route 28 crash remains under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed why Bonenfant’s Chevrolet crossed into the eastbound lane.
For now, the tragedy has brought together two very different lives lost in the same devastating moment — a young former lacrosse standout with plans for his future and a veteran medical industry executive who had spent decades building businesses.
As investigators work to establish what led to the collision, their families are left mourning two lives that ended far too soon.
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