A devastating tragedy has left a church community grieving after a beloved pastor and his wife were killed in a horrific head-on collision caused by an alleged drunk driver on Sunday night.

Donald Maxwell, 82, and his wife, Liscent Maxwell, 88, lost their lives in the crash on the Southern State Parkway in Hempstead, New York. According to New York State Police, the couple was traveling in their vehicle when a driver, identified as 36-year-old Diana Kutateladze, lost control of her SUV after sideswiping another car, crossed the median, and collided head-on with the Maxwells’ vehicle.

The crash involved six vehicles and multiple victims, but the Maxwells were the only fatalities. Several others were injured, though most sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

As details emerged, so did the profound impact the Maxwells had on those around them. Donald Maxwell served as a pastor and general overseer at Pentecostal City Mission Church, a ministry dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and building up communities across diverse backgrounds. Together with his wife, he helped lead a life of service, faith, and devotion that touched countless lives.

In the wake of the tragedy, tributes poured in from members of their congregation and beyond. One church member shared the heartbreak of losing a spiritual leader so suddenly, writing, “Can’t believe I just spoke to you last Sunday… now you’re no longer going to be here.” Another tribute described the couple as deeply loved figures whose absence leaves an immeasurable void.

Yet even in their grief, many expressed a steadfast faith. One message read, “Our hearts are tremendously heavy… but even in our hour of sorrow, we say blessed be the Sovereign will of Almighty God. His way is perfect.” It was a reminder of the hope that sustains believers even in life’s darkest moments—that death is not the end, and that those who belong to Christ will one day be reunited.

Authorities say alcohol and speed were contributing factors in the crash. Kutateladze has been charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated. Reports indicate she admitted to consuming alcohol before getting behind the wheel. She has pleaded not guilty, and the investigation remains ongoing.

This tragedy serves as both a heartbreaking loss and a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change. For the Maxwell family and their church community, the pain is real and immediate—but so is their faith.

The legacy of Donald and Liscent Maxwell will not be defined by the way their lives ended, but by the lives they touched, the Gospel they shared, and the love they modeled every day. Their story is one of faithful service, enduring love, and a hope rooted in Christ that continues even beyond this life.

As their loved ones and church family grieve, we join together in prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up the family, friends, and church community grieving the loss of Donald and Liscent Maxwell. Lord, You are near to the brokenhearted, and we ask that You would surround them with Your comfort and peace in this time of sorrow.

Thank You for the lives of this faithful couple, for their service, their love, and their dedication to sharing Your truth. May their legacy continue to inspire others to walk closely with You.

We also pray for healing for those injured in this accident, and for justice and wisdom for those handling this case. Father, remind us of the value of every life and the responsibility we carry toward one another.

In moments of grief, help us cling to the hope we have in You—that death is not the end, and that one day, we will be reunited in Your presence.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.