A tragic collision claimed the lives of a former Long Island lacrosse standout and a medical supplies executive when the teenager’s car mistakenly swerved into an oncoming lane in the Hudson Valley.
New York State Troopers reported that 19-year-old Peter B. Bonenfant and 72-year-old Philip F. Jacobus both lost their lives following a pre-dawn crash on Sunday. This unfortunate incident occurred on Route 28 in the Town of Olive, in Ulster County, just outside Kingston.
Bonenfant was behind the wheel of a 2024 Chevrolet traveling west when he unexpectedly crossed into the eastbound lane, leading to a collision with Jacobus’ 2021 Mercedes-Benz shortly before 6:50 a.m.
Emergency responders were quick to arrive, extricating both drivers from their vehicles. They were rushed to the HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston, where Bonenfant succumbed to his injuries.
Jacobus, meanwhile, was transferred to MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, located southeast of Kingston across the Hudson River, where, unfortunately, he too passed away, according to police reports.
Officials have launched an investigation and have not shared a reason for Bonenfant crossing into oncoming traffic.
Jacobus, a Kingston resident, was the founder and President of Owen Kane Holdings, a Wall Street-based medical equipment supplier.
He created and served as CEO of DOTmed, the “world’s leading public medical equipment marketplace.”
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Jacobus, who had been in the medical industry since the 1970s, founded both companies in 1999 after working in both the People’s Republic of China and the Soviet Union, according to his biography.
Bonenfant, a 2025 Smithtown West graduate on Long Island, had committed to playing Division I lacrosse at Queens University of Charlotte.
Before the 2025 fall semester, Bonenfant decided against heading to North Carolina, instead choosing to stay closer to home and study to be an electrician, Newsday reported.
The teen was the adoptive son of Chris Bonenfant, a retired Suffolk County and NYPD officer, according to the outlet.
He was remembered for his bright personality and positive attitude.
“Peter Bonefant was only 19 years old, but in his short life, he had already made the kind of impression on people that lasts forever,” a GoFundMe set up for his family read. “He was the sort of person who could walk into a room and bring energy with him.
“Peter had a way of making people feel comfortable, welcome, and valued. To the people who knew him best, he was not simply a friend, a son, a brother, or a loved one—he was someone who made life brighter just by being part of it,” the memorial said.
Bonenfant was known for his love of cars as he featured several different vehicles he enjoyed working on across his social media accounts.
“Peter deserved more time. He deserved the chance to grow older, experience more of life, build more memories, and continue being there for the people he loved,” the GoFundMe read. “While we cannot change what happened, we can make sure that his memory is honored with the love and respect he deserves.”