Colin and Tiffany Ferrell die in an accident on the way home from college orientation

An upstate New York mother and her 18-year-old son were killed in a head-on collision Friday while returning from a college orientation when another driver crossed into their lane, authorities and family friends said.

Recent high school graduate Colin Ferrell was driving a 2015 Acura RDX with his mother, Tiffany Ferrell, in the passenger seat when the two were killed in the daylight crash on Interstate 86 in the town of Chemung around 5 p.m., New York State Police said.

The other driver, 36-year-old Steven Mallory, who was driving a 2018 Nissan Maxima, also died at the scene.

Mallory, of Horseheads, was driving westbound when he crossed the center lane and drifted into the eastbound lane, where he collided with Ferrell’s car, state police said.

Mallory, a father, reportedly suffered a medical emergency before the crash, a family friend wrote on a fundraising page, but investigators could not immediately confirm that detail.

A state police spokesman said authorities would need to conduct further investigations before releasing further details about the accident.

Colin and Tiffany, who lived in the village of Endicott, were on their way home from a college orientation, a family friend wrote in a GoFundMe post raising money for the grieving family.

“Tiffany Ferrell had the biggest heart and was always there for everyone. She was full of life and could make everyone smile and laugh. She had so much love to give,” the donation said.

“Her son Colin was the most personable and respectful person you could ever meet. He was everyone’s friend and always ready to lend a helping hand.”

Colin graduated from Union-Endicott High School in 2024 and his mother was involved in the school system as a parent, school officials said.

“Colin was a kind and compassionate student who enjoyed playing baseball, and Tiffany was a dedicated volunteer for the school district and participated in many school and community projects,” Superintendent Nicole Wolfe and high school principal Steven DiStefano told the Press and Sun Bulletin.

Mother and son leave behind their husband and father Dan as well as Colin’s two siblings.

Mallory leaves behind a 7-year-old son, according to the fundraiser initiated by his relatives. He buried his mother just six weeks before his death.

“He was loved not only by his family, but also by his family of colleagues and friends,” the donation said. “Steven was a loving father and brother and was always there to help others when they asked.”