Angola man sentenced for causing crash that killed Hamburg woman

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — An Angola man received an indeterminate sentence of 3 to 9 years for causing a crash that killed a Hamburg woman in February, according to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. He was also ordered to pay the maximum fine of $5,000.

Prosecutors alleged 41-year-old Anthony Rydzewski caused a crash in Hamburg that killed 37-year-old Jenny Zuhlke, a daycare center worker at Lakeview Children’s World.

Around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 28, Rydzewski was accused of driving recklessly at a high rate of speed on Route 5 in Hamburg when he crashed with another vehicle. Zuhlke was driving the other vehicle and died at the scene. Rydzewski was taken to ECMC to be treated for his injuries.

Rydzewski initially indicated he would cooperate with the investigation but ended up fleeing to Pennsylvania, according to police. He was located in Crawford County, Pennsylvania and was returned to Western New York by Hamburg police in April.

Rydzewski pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter in July without the possibility of a reduced plea.

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.