Locke man killed in crash

By The Citizen staff report

Friday, April 11, 2008 11:44 PM EDT

A 25-year-old man killed Friday in an early-morning crash on state Routes 5 & 20 in Aurelius was involved five months ago in a high-speed chase with law enforcement, the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office said.
Gary W. Hill, of 4005 Weeks Road, Locke, was pronounced dead at the scene of a one-car accident at about 3:10 a.m. Friday near Fosterville Road.

Hill lost control of his 2006 Chevrolet car, struck a utility pole and was ejected from the vehicle. Police said he was not wearing a seat belt.

Sheriff's Office Lt. Joseph Weeks said that speed was likely a factor in the crash, but that the investigation is continuing and toxicology results have yet to be obtained from the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office.

Hill was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty March 27 in Cayuga County Court to

o charges related to an illegal deer hunt.

Hill fled at speeds exceeding 90 mph after a Department of Environmental Conservation officer tried to stop his vehicle after he had been using a spotlight and a rifle to hunt deer at about 4:30 a.m. Nov. 15, 2007. He admitted in court to being under the influence of marijuana at the time of his arrest and to having had two pounds of marijuana in a shed at his home. He had been living on Spencer Street in Lyons at the time.

Hill was facing a maximum of seven years in state prison for criminal possession of marijuana, fleeing an officer and using a spotlight and a loaded weapon to hunt for deer.

Weeks said that investigators would like to speak with anyone who had contact with Hill Thursday or early Friday because police are trying to determine where Hill had been before the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office at 253-3902.

The Citizens' Say

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There are 23 comment(s)

Farmer's Gal wrote on Apr 17, 2008 1:24 PM:

" The Citizen could be more tactful, as could a lot of other media outlets. But if, for example, drugs were involved in the cause of the accident, then that is part of the news, no different than when they report on drinking and driving. If the speed involved in the fatal crash were due to fleeing from the law in light of the previous crime, that would be relevant and news.

IF either of those things turn out to be fact and part of the picture, it doesn't make it any easier on his family, but you can't realistically expect a news organization to gloss over something like that (if true).

I hope it isn't true and I hope that all the changes this young man was making in his life were true, and that he left many positive memories for those who loved him -- but the media is not in the business of covering up the cause of an accident, for example, because it might be painful for the family.

Condolences to the family and friends: when you read less than positive things about this young man in the paper, remember that he was a whole person, with flaws as well as strengths, who made mistakes but also made efforts to correct and outgrow them, and remember him as someone who did have a positive influence on some of the lives he touched. "

kbowman wrote on Apr 16, 2008 2:38 PM:

" Even though I am a little late expressing my opinion, I still don't think it is too late. I too was furious when I read the article (therefore wrote a letter to the editor). It makes absolutly no sense to me that someone could be so heartless at a time like this. Someone who had no idea who Gary was as a person. Sad to know that this day and age there are people out there that lack such compassion. Though I havent seen Gary in about a year, I still have many great memories and know that he truely was a great person. My heart goes out to you Jenny and Erica as well as Gavin and Kayley. I cant imagine. You two are strong and can do this. Know I am thinking about you now and down the road! Thanks to all who took the time to show their support and respond to the horrible article! "

sjacobs wrote on Apr 14, 2008 7:24 PM:

" WOW! I used to hang out with both Richie and Gary and go to school with them at SCCS. I moved away many years ago and just heard ther horrific news the other day and when I went to the internet site the first thing I read was about his "PAST" law enforcement trouble... SO?! Who really gives a crap at a time like this?! That is NOT how I remembered him; nor is that how he will be remembered. We ALL make mistakes... You live and learn from them! Some of you people on here are EVIL...with your snooty comments. You dont even know him! Don't break the law and you wont be in the paper? Really? You sure have another thing coming the day you or one of your loved ones dies...I suppose you will have no obituary?
For those of us that had the blessing and joy of knowing Gary...we will carry those memories with us for a lifetime!
May you resp peacefully in HIS arms.
We love and miss you
Shannon Jacobs (Lago) "

pamnewyork wrote on Apr 14, 2008 3:05 PM:

" I would like to thank staff writer, John Stith of The Post Standard for his well writen article on Gary Hill. It showed compassion and the wonderful side of Gary that we all know and loved. "

jenandgavin wrote on Apr 14, 2008 3:00 PM:

" Thank you to all who have shown support to me and Gavin over the past few days. As for the Citizen, this article has certainly not helped me in my grieving for the father of my son. Gary had a big heart and his children were the true love of his life. Gary was battling his addiction demons as thousands of people do everyday, and over the past months had made very significant change in his life. Passing judgement on him is not the answer because in the end we all will be judged. "

pamnewyork wrote on Apr 14, 2008 2:39 PM:

" I knew Gary personally and I am sickened that the Citizen (great name) would be this insensitive to my sister and Gary's father and his kids and all of the rest of his loved ones...and most of all, to Gary himself. Shame on you all for allowing this to go in print the day after this horrible tragedy! Gary was a wonderful person, full of life and love and that is how I will always remember him. Someone at your paper needs to do some serious moral soul searching. This could have been a loved one in their family. SHAME ON THE CITIZEN! My thoughts and prayers are with everyone that knew and loved Gary Hill. I will be reading a different local paper from now on!!!!! "

bls wrote on Apr 14, 2008 1:29 PM:

" It is sad that the Citizen feels that it is necessary to, not only repeat facts from a prior situation that can only cause his family additional grief, but also to insinuate that there might be some sort of mystery to solve. If they cared to ask, they could have contacted his family, but they must feel that they need to use sensational journalism to sell their newspapers. I will also be reading the Post Standard from this day forward. Gary was a very loving and loveable young man and I want his family to know that there are many people who loved him and will miss him dearly. "

KrisW wrote on Apr 14, 2008 9:01 AM:

" I too am offended by this article. There is no need to remind a grieving public of these things. It has been many years since I have seen Gary. All of my memories of him are of a happy, outgoing person. A boy who loved his friends and loved having fun. If I am this saddended, I cannot imagine how saddended those who are close to him feel right now. Shame on the Citizen for not being more understanding. "

KrisW wrote on Apr 14, 2008 9:01 AM:

" I too am offended by this article. There is no need to remind a grieving public of these things. It has been many years since I have seen Gary. All of my memories of him are of a happy, outgoing person. A boy who loved his friends and loved having fun. If I am this saddended, I cannot imagine how saddended those who are close to him feel right now. Shame on the Citizen for not being more understanding. "

pamartins wrote on Apr 13, 2008 11:23 PM:

" I live out of town, I was trying to find information on Gary's funeral when I saw this story. I cried when I read the article. Why would the author write such a story, at a time like this. If you would of taken the time to get up off your seat and not just " googled" info on him. You could of printed the real story.
You would of found that there is a loving family gathered together to support each other at such a tragic time. That he had two beautiful children. The "citizen staff" should be ashamed of this report!!!!!!!! "

Worryaboutyourself wrote on Apr 13, 2008 10:15 PM:

" I dont understand you people, how can you write such mean things about a person that you dont even know? Nobody is perfect, everyone makes mistakes so dont judge him. Instead of wasting your time writing hateful comments about a person that you dont know, maybe you should take a look at your own life. Its pretty sad that you would waste your time to talk bad about someone who isnt here to defend himself. Gary was an amazing father, son, and brother. He was making changes in his life for the better, but you wouldnt know that because the paper failed to mention the good things about Gary.


At the end of the day, a life is lost, a family is devastated,and 2 children lost their father.

To Garys family, Your in my thoughts and prayers. Remember Gary as the AMAZING person he is and dont ever forget that!

Love, P&B "

k0420b wrote on Apr 13, 2008 3:31 AM:

" First off let me say that Gary Hill was an outstanding person! I was lucky enough to share 20 yrs of my life with him! He was/is and will always be a good person. For people who never even knew him to write such hurtful things at a time like this is just plain wrong!!! People who knew him will remember his kind words and cheerful smile. He faced some hard times but who hasn't? The author of the article that apperared in the Auburn Citizen is obviously an insensative jackass with no morals! The past mistakes made by Gary were exactly that the past...it should not have been brought up in the article as it had no relevance to this particular incident. I am disgusted!!! Mistakes are easily made...we should encourage and praise when a person trys to right their wrongs (as Gary was trying to do). Not use them to make some twisted story out of a tradigic event such ad this accident and death. Thank you to everyone who shared kind words toward Gary! He will always be remembered as a loving son, Father, bestfriend, Friend, cousin, nephew, grandson, and so on. He will be greatly missed!

A bit of advice to the author: Before you start pointing fingers...you better make sure your hands are clean! Like you've nevr made a poor decision in your life! "

jessbrier wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:04 PM:

" FOR ALL THE IGANORANT PEOPLE WHO HAD RUDE COMMENTS YOU ALL MAKE ME SICK...GARY HILL WAS A VERY CARING AND LOVING PERSON....YOU PEOPLE ARE SICK TO EVEN CARE ABOUT HIS PAST, PEOPLE MAKE MISTAKES...HES WAS A WONDERFUL FATHER...and had a very kind soul..he was loved by many many people.. its sick that the citizen had to write such a horrible story on him..they should be ashamed of themselves.....i will never buy the citizem again it makes me sick...he was not only a father to my neice,but he was still part of our family. And no m atter what you people say he will rest in peace. Yesterday my neice and her brother lost their father who they loved dearly,how can you even be soo ignorant and hateful, im sure you made plenty of mistakes in your lives and God will punish you for this ignorance.Imagine losing your child...would you want something sooo horrible to be written about them especially in a time of grieving? didn;t think so. to Gary " We miss you very much and love you! we know your in peace now and I will think of you everytime i see kayley for you are a part of her. Say hello to God for me" Love Jess "

barbiet wrote on Apr 12, 2008 9:54 PM:

" Gary was a caring and generous person and father. His past has nothing to do with his unfortunate death. We all have problems and most of them we don't want other people to know. It's sad that when a 25 year old kid passes all people have to say is the bad things, and that is why when I read authors portrayals of these people I don't believe them, I have seen it first hand here and I am not impressed. We should give all of our support to his family and his son and daughter who are very young and now have to grow up with no father. I have a son and this is something that I would never want to have to explain to my child. Grow up people. "

alyssakay36 wrote on Apr 12, 2008 7:29 PM:

" we are family of gary's.

FIRST OF ALL: karlL. those convictions happened in the past & HE WAS SEEKING HELP THROUGH REHAB. he knew his problem and was trying to get help. how the hell you do you find the nerve to say you agree with the CITIZEN when the citizen never even tried to gain pozitive information from his family who actually knew Gary.
SECOND: Thank you to all of the people that are giving our family thoughts and prayers. This is such an unexpected event that we all are coming together for. His kids ment so much to him. He was such a caring, fun person to be around no matter the problems. You can't hold someone against it for having an addiction, especially if he was seeking treatment.
The CITIZEN never tried to gain information from our family. So instead of letting Gary die with dignity they needed to remind our family also the readers of Auburn the problems he had. Yes, their legal problems but i still cant believe that the citizen would not let someone die with dignity. How low can you honestly get? "

karl L wrote on Apr 12, 2008 6:35 PM:

" JimmyC if he had two kids, what the hell was he doing with two pounds of Marijuana on his property?!?
Sad as it is, people, I have to say that I support the Citizen's portrayal of this irresponsible person. He's got two kids, and he's A. hunting illegally, B. fleeing at 90mph from the police WHILE STONED!!!!(lucky he didn't kill some one else in a crash!) and C., he's got an additional two pounds--POUNDS!-- of pot in his property!
The public is lucky that he didn't take another person or family with him in a fiery crash when he died. If he really cared about his family, he would have cleaned up his act BEFORE this happened!
I feel horrible for his family and his kids! I wish he had found treatment for his vices first. And maybe someone else who's driving stoned or drunk RIGHT NOW will second-think their own irresponsible stupid behavior and sober up and get on a straighter road before they wind up the same?
People learn from their own, as well as others' mistakes. The best that could come from his death would be that others might learn from it! "

lsharp13160 wrote on Apr 12, 2008 5:00 PM:

" How sad. this family is going through a very difficult time and this is all that can be printed about him? What good does it do---no good. My prayers to his family. "

mb wrote on Apr 12, 2008 12:56 PM:

" Here is the link for all the people who would rather read a more positive article on Gray

http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-12/1207990586304740.xml&coll=1 "

mb wrote on Apr 12, 2008 12:50 PM:

" I'm glad some people agree with me...I knew him years ago and I feel for his daughters. "

sierrastorms wrote on Apr 12, 2008 11:39 AM:

" It's sad that someone can't be remembered by his family and kids. He has to have all his past aired like this. He was a great father, a wonderful friend, and a good guy. Too bad every parent in the world including his have to know or defend their now deceased sons name. Shame on you for re-printing something you already had during the announcement of his death. "

jimmyc wrote on Apr 12, 2008 9:31 AM:

" What a great example of how NOT to write a story. In the past weeks/months I've seen some of the same type of bush league stories where structure fires are involved. I remember specifically a few stories that had more details about where the occupants worked or other meaningless things, as opposed to just the story. They went into so much detail, it was a little uncomfortable reading it. The story above is signed 'Citizen Staff Reports. Good move on the part of whoever wrote it; I wouldn't sign or take credit for writing that either. Citizen: wake up. Are you a hometown newspaper, or the wannabee NY Daily News? Nice hometown move, spending so much time on the negatives that have no place in this story. Did you know he left behind 2 kids? The daughter that's 8 can read your account. Even better yet, maybe someone at school will rub her nose in it. The worst thing is, if you want to read the story that SHOULD have been in the AUBURN CITIZEN, guess where to go? Where else would you go for Auburn news? Saturdays' Post Standard. They told the facts, got some info, and guess what? Had a nice quote from the mother, just some background info. on him including the GOOD things, and nothing about the past THE CITIZEN dug up from their old, lame reports. What a contrast. And once again, if you want some logically written Auburn news, you best buy a Syracuse paper. "

stevedallas wrote on Apr 12, 2008 9:17 AM:

" Dont break the law and you wont be in the paper!!!!!!! "

mb wrote on Apr 12, 2008 8:18 AM:

" Why the hell are any of this mans legal problems a factor now. Let the man rest in peace. The last thing his family needs is to have his problems printed in the newspaper for everyone to see, but this seems typical of the Citizen. "

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