Curator, Exec Dead in Train Crash

A jewelry store worker, a finance executive and a museum curator were among the six people killed when a Metro-North train crashed into an SUV stuck between crossing gates in Westchester Tuesday, those who knew them told NBC 4 New York, as medical officials work to identified the three other men killed.

Family members identified 53-year-old Eric Vandercar of Bedford Hills as one of the five male passengers who died when their train, on the railroad's Harlem line, crashed into a Mercedes SUV stopped on the tracks in Valhalla Tuesday afternoon.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art confirmed Wednesday that Walter Liedtke, a curator of European paintings at the museum, was another victim in the train crash.

The driver of the SUV was identified as 49-year-old Ellen Brody by the owner of the Chappaqua jewelry store where she worked for 15 years, ICD Contemporary Jewelry.

"She was our beloved colleague, and we pray for her and other families whose loved ones were lost and injured in yesterday's tragedy," the owner said in a statement to NBC 4 New York.

Co-worker and friend Varda Singer said, "I describe her as a saint, because she was the most selfless person." 

Making the tragedy more unbearable for friends is not knowing how Brody, a mother of three, got stuck on the train tracks. 

"She's a very responsible person, a very reliable person," said Singer. "I just cannot believe that she's gone." 

Vandercar's family declined to comment to NBC 4 New York Wednesday, but said they were meeting with a rabbi. A woman walking near Vandercar's home said he was "a wonderful husband and loving father."

Vandercar worked for Morgan Stanley for 16 years before leaving his position as executive director of the municipal finance group in January 2014, according to the company. 

"Those of us who worked with Eric for many years at Morgan Stanley are deeply saddened by this tragic loss," a spokesman said in a statement. "Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time." 

Liedtke was a "brilliant, respected curator and scholar of Dutch and Flemish paintings who was part of the Met family for 35 years," said Elyse Topalian, vice president for communications for The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

"He organized dozens of major exhibitions that brought the works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals, and many other great artists to millions of our visitors. He will long be remembered for his vast knowledge, his wit, and a passion for art that inspired all who came in contact with him," Topalian said in the statement. 

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said Wednesday that medical officials are using dental records to identify the remains of the six people killed in the crash because all but one of the victims were severely burned in a fire that was sparked by the impact. The crash caused the front of the train to burst into flames and the electrified third rail to slice into a train car as it pushed the SUV nearly 10 car-lengths down the tracks. 

Astorino said it could take as long as a day to identify each body once the records are received.

"Victims' families are in total shock," he said.

Fifteen train riders were hurt in the crash, some of them seriously. Twelve of those passengers were treated at Westchester Medical Center, including one who remained in critical condition Wednesday afternoon. One other passenger is in serious condition, and six others remain at the hospital in good to fair condition, hospital officials say. Four others were released.

The passengers treated at Westchester Medical Center had injuries including, cuts, bruises, dislocations, open fractures, smoke inhalations and burns. All of the injured passengers are adults. 

"The injuries were not as serious as they could have been," Dr. Joseph Turkowski said. "There could have been a lot more deaths."

The train engineer was also treated for his injuries at a hospital, but was not believed to be one of the casualties, MTA Chairman Tom Prendergast said.