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Thomas Chase, victim of high-speed crash in Brighton, NY, is remembered

Rochester residents are mourning the loss of 92-year-old Thomas Chase, who died Thursday afternoon in a high-speed crash following a police chase.

The pursuit began in Rochester after three teenagers allegedly stole a car and fled. According to police, the pursuit lasted about eight minutes before the stolen vehicle collided with Chase's car at the intersection of East Avenue and Elmwood Avenue.

Chase, a Brighton resident and well-liked member of the community, was pronounced dead at the scene.

In memory of Thomas Chase

Thomas Chase, a 1954 graduate of the Eastman School of Music, was a prominent figure in the Rochester community. He was known for his involvement with Friendly Senior Living, where he volunteered for 30 years.

Denise Hubler, vice president of marketing and development at Friendly Senior Living, praised Chase's contributions, noting that he has spent approximately 5,000 hours making music for residents.

“Generations of residents have looked forward to his regular concerts to immerse themselves in familiar and beautifully played music, to relive special memories and to pause for a moment and enjoy life's many gifts,” Hubler said. “His talents were a treasure and his kind, generous spirit was an inspiration to all who knew Tom.”

Chase, a Hornell native and Army veteran, also had a distinguished career as a college professor in Virginia, Indiana and Arkansas. After his retirement in 1997, he continued to volunteer his musical talents, creating engaging programs that incorporated classical music and historical insight.

“He developed these presentations very carefully, often targeting holidays and occasions that were important to his enthusiastic audience,” Hubler said.

Representatives from the Eastman School of Music expressed their condolences and emphasized Chase's support for both the school and Golisano Children's Hospital.

“Thomas studied piano at the Eastman School of Music, graduating in 1954. He then taught piano at Henderson State University,” said a statement from the Eastman School of Music. “Thomas was a long-time supporter of Eastman and Golisano Children's Hospital. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Details of the chase and accident in Brighton, NY

The pursuit began when the teenagers, ages 17, 18 and 19, stole a car and escaped from police, police said.

Rochester police Capt. Greg Bello said the chase went through the Clinton neighborhood and then into Brighton. The stolen vehicle struck Chase's car as it turned onto Elmwood Avenue.

During a news conference Friday, Rochester Police Chief David Smith noted the chaotic scenes at the intersection and offered his condolences to Chase's family, criticizing the teens' reckless behavior and their impact on the community.

Investigations into car crash in Brighton, NY, continue

As of Friday afternoon, no charges had been filed, but they are pending. The Major Crimes Unit and Monroe County District Attorney's Office are investigating.

The 17-year-old driver, a known offender on parole for burglary, was arrested and faces charges related to previous crimes, including multiple burglaries and thefts involving stolen vehicles, police said.

The teenagers were injured in the accident and taken to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Anyone with information about the chase or accident is asked to contact RPD's Major Crimes Unit at (585) 428-7157 or email [email protected].

— Madison Scott is a journalist at the Democrat and Chronicle who edited and reported on our Weld Street Project. She is interested in how the system helps, or doesn't help, families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at [email protected].

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