By IAN BENJAMIN
Executive Editor
A 29-year-old communications student, Etemowei James Oki, was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Quail St. early Saturday morning.
Oki had just left his home and was crossing Quail at the intersection of Elk St. when he was struck by a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Alfred Zwack at approximately 1:42 a.m. Zwack, driving a 1999 Honda Accord, was traveling southbound on Quail and had begun passing another vehicle on the left when he struck Oki, said Albany Police Dept. spokesperson James Miller.
Oki’s head collided with the metal windshield column and the pavement. He was transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital but was pronounced dead just before 5 a.m. due to massive head trauma. The driver fled the scene of the accident.
Zwack, who resides on Southern Blvd., turned himself into authorities late Monday morning accompanied by an attorney. He is being charged with leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, unlicensed operation of a vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle without a license. A number of other charges are expected to follow.
Authorities had previously been searching for a dark green Honda with front end damage and a missing passenger-side mirror.
Prior to attending Saint Rose, Oki had been enlisted in the Navy. He had recently begun a major in communications. Professor Rosemary Sheridan knew Oki as a student in her COM 227 Public Relations History class. She painted a picture of a kind, hard working student.
Oki sometimes showed up late for her class. When he came in the room carrying his motorcycle helmet, Sheridan said she would quip “Class can begin now, Etemowei has arrived!” To this Oki would respond with a wide smile and an apology.
Viewing hours for Oki are Friday 8-10 a.m. at the St. Joan of Arc Church in Menands, located at 76 Menand Road. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. The interment with military honors will take place at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Friday.
Donations for a scholarship fund in Oki’s memory may be sent to C/O Prezi Jonathan Oki, 28 Brookwood Drive, Latham, NY 12110.
Zwack will be arraigned in Albany City Criminal Court Tuesday.
Additional reporting by staff writer Kayla Matteo
Original story published Sunday, November 27 at 9:43 p.m.
