No Tickets For Driver In Death Of Amish Boy

HELENA - The driver of a car that killed a 6-year-old Amish boy Monday afternoon will not be ticketed, state police said.

Michael T. Guldan, 52, of 167 East Hatfield St., Massena, was driving about 3:45 p.m. on County Route 37 when his car struck the boy, Bennie J. Byler, as he was crossing the road from his family's home to their barn, police said.

Mr. Guldan tried to avoid the boy, who was struck by the passenger side of the car. Investigators said Mr. Guldan was westbound on County Route 37 when the boy attempted to cross the road from the north shoulder. He was struck in the westbound lane.

The child was transported to Massena Memorial Hospital by Tri-Town Rescue. His death was attributed to cardiopulmonary arrest as the result of a traumatic motor vehicle accident. Coroner June H. Wood ruled the death was accidental and released the body back to the child's family.

Mr. Guldan was on his way home from work at the time of the accident, state police said.

"No charges were filed were filed, and there was no evidence of any criminal activity. The initial results from the accident reconstruction are consistent with witness accounts. We don't even think the driver was speeding," Investigator Ted Levision of the state police Bureau of Investigation said.

Mr. Guldan said Monday that he was going to visit with the boy's family.

"I'm heading over to offer my condolences to the family," he said, before declining further comment.

The accident occurred about 500 feet from the border with Franklin County, in front of the Byler residence at 2575 County Route 37.

The road was closed for several hours.

Ryne R. Martin contributed to this report