Philipstown Councilwoman's Husband a Derailment Victim

By Patch editor Tom Auchterlonie

Jim Lovell, the husband of Philipstown Councilwoman Nancy Montgomery, was a victim of Sunday's Metro-North train derailment, according to Councilman Dave Merandy, who confirmed news reports from The Journal News and Philipstown.infoabout his death.

Merandy knew Lovell for a long time, having been students together at Haldane High School, which is in Cold Spring.

According to the Philipstown.infostory, Lovell was a writer, lived in the North Highlands section of town and left behind three children in addition to Montgomery.

Merandy, who learned about Lovell's death several hours before he was interviewed for this story, was shocked by the loss.

There were four killed by the derailment and more than 60 injured near the Spuyten Duyvil station in the Bronx, Patchreported Sunday.

In a press release, state Sen. Greg Ball issued a statement about Lovell's death.

“What a sad and horrifying tragedy to strike such a great man and such a beautiful and caring family. Sadly, James Lovell was among the four people killed on this morning’s tragic Metro-North train derailment. James was a caring and giving member of Putnam's community and my heart breaks for his wife, as well as their lovely children and the entire family that are now struggling with this enormous loss. I ask residents to keep James' family in their thoughts and prayers thought the holiday season, and let us find ways to be supportive and caring this holiday season and beyond,” he said.