Hashini Herath, 29, died in a car accident on Scottsville Road in Chili, NY, on Monday evening, April 20, 2026. The Rochester, New York community is mourning her loss.

Recent Arrival to the US

Herath, originally from Sri Lanka, had recently moved to the United States with her husband last year. They were seeking to build a new life filled with opportunity.

Details of the Accident

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred around 6:45 p.m. A southbound truck attempted to overtake another vehicle and collided with Herath’s northbound car. Despite immediate response efforts, Herath was pronounced dead at the scene.

The passenger in Herath’s vehicle sustained injuries that were not life-threatening and has been released from the hospital. The driver and passenger of the truck involved suffered minor injuries.

Traffic Citations Issued

The truck driver received multiple traffic citations from the sheriff’s office, though specific details of the violations have not been released.

Community Mourns and Fundraiser Launched

The Sri Lankan community in Rochester and beyond is deeply saddened by Hashini’s death. Friends and family remember her as a kind and generous person.

The Sri Lanka America Association of Rochester, NY (SLAARNY) has launched a fundraising campaign to cover the costs of repatriating her remains to Sri Lanka. The goal is to allow her to be laid to rest in her homeland.

Separate Incident in Rochester

In an unrelated incident, Rochester police are working to recover a body from the Genesee River gorge near the High Falls neighborhood. This adds to the somber atmosphere in the city.

The focus remains on supporting Hashini’s family and bringing her home to Sri Lanka.