Rochester residents are mourning the loss of 92-year-old Thomas Chase, who was killed Thursday afternoon in a high-speed crash during a police chase.
The chase began in Rochester after three teens allegedly stole a car and fled the scene. Police said the chase lasted about eight minutes before the stolen vehicle collided with Chase’s car at the intersection of East and Elmwood Avenues.
Chase, a Brighton resident who was a beloved member of the community, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Remembering 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 dedication to 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 spent approximately 5,000 hours performing music for residents.
“Generations of residents looked forward to his regular concerts as a way to immerse themselves in familiar and beautifully performed music, relive special memories and pause to appreciate life’s many gifts,” Hubler said. “His talents were a treasure and his kind, generous nature was an inspiration to all who knew Tom.”
Chase, a native of Hornell and an Army veteran, also had a distinguished career as a university lecturer in Virginia, Indiana and Arkansas. After his retirement in 1997, he continued to volunteer his musical talents, creating engaging programs that combined classical music and historical insights.
“He was very careful in developing these presentations, often centering them around holidays and occasions important to his enthusiastic audiences,” Hubler said.
Eastman School of Music administrators 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 went on to teach piano at Henderson State University,” a statement from the Eastman School of Music said. “Thomas was a loyal supporter of Eastman and Golisano Children’s Hospital. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”
Details of the police chase and crash in Brighton NY
According to police, the chase began when the teens, ages 17, 18 and 19, stole a car and evaded police.
Capt. Greg Bello of the Rochester Police Department said the chase went through Rochester’s Clinton section before heading into Brighton. The stolen vehicle struck Chase’s car as it turned onto Elmwood Avenue.
At a news conference on Friday, Rochester Police Chief David Smith noted the chaotic scene at the intersection and offered his condolences to Chase’s family. He criticized the teens’ reckless behavior and their impact on the community.
Investigation into Brighton, NY crash continues
No charges had been filed as of Friday afternoon, but they are still pending. The Major Crimes Unit and the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the case.
The 17-year-old driver, a known felon who was on parole for burglary, was arrested and faces charges for previous crimes, including multiple burglaries and thefts involving stolen vehicles, police said.
The teens were injured in the crash and taken to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Anyone with information about the chase or crash is asked to contact the RPD Major Crimes Unit at (585) 428-7157 or email MajorCrimes@CityofRochester.gov.
— Madison Scott is a reporter at the Democrat and Chronicle who edited and reported on our Weld Street Project. She is interested in how the system helps—or fails to help—families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Thomas Chase, victim of high-speed crash in Brighton, NY, remembered
