Broadalbin teen pleads guilty in crash that seriously injured Gloversville man

A Broadalbin teen pleaded guilty Thursday to driving drunk and causing a crash that seriously injured a Gloversville man last November.

Owen Marek, 18, admitted in Fulton County Court that he was intoxicated and speeding in his truck last Nov. 18 on Route 29A (Turkey Farm Road) in Mayfield at around 11 p.m. He passed two vehicles as he approached a blind curve and then crossed into the other lane, investigators said.

Marek crossed into the other lane and hit a truck driven by Evan Wieczenski. Marek’s vehicle burst into flames. Both he and Wieczenski were taken to Albany Medical Center.

Wieczenski spent many weeks in the intensive care unit with broken bones all over his body and a brain injury. He required several surgeries.

His father, Kevin Wieczenski, told NewsChannel 13 that the guilty plea provides the family with a little closure for its emotional pain and suffering.

The family is grateful and blessed for the ongoing love and support they have received from friends, relatives and especially the community.

“They have helped make this unfortunate situation a little easier to handle. Evan’s journey to recovery is slow, and at times a painful one to watch, but we have faith in the wonderful care Evan is receiving at St. Mary’s Wilkinson’s Subacute rehab.”

Evan Wieczenski is a graduate of Fonda-Fultonville and a senior airman with the New York Air National Guard. He was attending SUNY Canton and wanted to be a mental health counselor for adolescents.