Hampden Academy Grad Among Those Dead In New York Limo Crash

A Hampden Academy graduate was among those killed in a tragic limousine accident in upstate New York on Saturday (Oct. 6.)

Twenty people -- including former Maine resident Michael Ukaj -- died in the crash. Ukaj was 34 years old. The death toll included two pedestrians, the limo driver and all of the occupants, many of whom were family, riding in the limousine.

According to cbsnews.com, 17 of those who died had gathered for Amy Steenburg's 30th birthday and were headed to a brewery in Cooperstown. The limo's driver was not licensed to drive the vehicle.

Ukaj's parents reside in Winterport, where Michael graduated from Hampden Academy. He then served in the Marine Corps based out of North Carolina and California. He also survived combat in the war in Iraq. In more recent years, he moved back to his home state of New York.

The family is asking for donations to help with Michael's burial costs. You can help by visiting their Facebook Fundraiser, where all money raised will be given to Michael's parents to help with funeral costs.