Investigation Continues in Fatal Genesee County Accident

Marty was my DAD!!!! He was killed by Sissel! I don't have a father to walk me down the aisle next weekend. Our lives are never going to be the same! mom lost her husband and my brother lost his dad as well. You all will never understand the feeling of having the 1/2 of you ripped out and never to return. Only mom, my brother and I will. Dad was only 64. He would have been an awesome grand dad...not know. Thanks!

I've spent countless hours with the Sissel family over the last 26+ years. I've mowed their lawn, helped Pastor Ray with his electrical, supped with them, hung out with their boys, went to church with them, etc. I've ridden with Pastor and he is an AGGRAVATINGLY SAFE driver! He's well known in Genesee County to drive AT or BELOW the speed limit. I've NEVER known him to have a traffic ticket or an accident. He would ALWAYS pull over to make or receive a call on his cell. And for anyone to suggest that alcohol was a factor, you just don't KNOW the man. I've never known him to take so much as a sip. The only thing that made any sense as a cause for this tragic accident was his diabetes. Pastor has had this disease in check for years. But as you well know from just the accidents we've accumulated in this area, diabetes can render someone senseless and they don't even realize it. But you will also note that people using cellphones have killed more people in western NY than any diabetic. None of us will know what was going through Pastor's mind as this was happening, but I can say one thing - it would have broken his heart to know that an action of his harmed or killed another. I'm deeply sorry for Mr. Muszak and his family. I'm sure he was loved no less than Pastor Ray, and will be missed as much. In the spirit of what I've learned from Pastor Sissel in 26 years, I ask that we all pray for those who were lost - but also we should pray for the survivors. Pray for the families who are in pain. Pray for forgiveness in our hearts because we're all angry/saddened/hurt by these losses. Pray that diabetes is cured in our lifetime. This is precisely the reason I heartily support diabetes research (JDRF, etc.). I consider Pastor Ray and his wife like another set of parents as they've shown me nothing but kindness and love. May you all find kindness and love in your hearts when remembering your time with these two men. -Bill

My heart goes out to your family Jennmarr. And to the Marty's family. I personally knew Mr. Sissel - he married my husband and I 3 years ago and he did some work for us replacing a stove. He was a kind and gentle man! Sorry there are so many out there that want to believe first thing that he did something bad. Have faith and remember who he was and what he believed in! Shame on all of you who automatically jump to the wrong conclusions with drinking etc. That is whats wrong with our society today that people look for the bad first! God Bless you all!

My heart goes out to both families! I know Mr. Sissel personally and he was a kind a gentle man. He married my husband and I 3 years ago and did electrical work for us! How wrong for you people to assume drinking or using a cell phone! Thats what is wrong with our society today - everyone wants to see bad things! God blees both families

Jennmarr - my heart goes out to you and your family as well as Marty's family and for the truck driver! I mean come on people - this was and will continue to be a terrible loss to each of the families and communities. This is a time to come together! I pray for your sorrow to turn to joyful memories!

Yesterday when I was driving there was a car going 40 in a 55 zone...there was a line of cars behind him..I was first...the car behind me was so close I couldn't see his plate. I couldn't pass for a long time cause it was double lines, bad vision etc. but the person behind me was in a big hurry and finally when I passed they passed with me! Then they flew by me going over 70 they disappeared quickly. They were not old.. My point is there are many drivers on the road that are careless... Mr Sissel doesn't sound like that type of person..he may have been old but that doesn't mean he was a bad driver...there are all kinds of drivers on the road....no one can predict what the other driver is going to do..obviously, he didn't plan the heart attack or anything else. He may have been in shock or incapable of pulling the car off the road. It was an unfortunate accident but it had nothing to do with age..anyone can have a problem when driving...even a healthy younger person! There are as many careless drivers on the road as there are older drivers!

My grandfather is 88 years old, has cancer, and is still driving. For a time we were able to take his keys away, but when he began to show signs of improvement (no longer on chemo treatments), he got them back. It's a very difficult time for the family and the individual as well. In their minds they are still young and can do for themselves. It's very difficult to take their independence away. My grandfather has NEVER been in an accident, still lives on his own and can take care of himself. He's a safer driver than the idiots on the road that are 1/2 his age. Besides, you don't have to be old to have a heart attack while driving...it could happen to anyone. Unless they show signs of an inability to drive or a doctor tells them they can no longer drive, let them keep their independence.

Very sad no matter the reason. I do question the justification for an elderly man to be driving with known health complications. Very sad for both families.

Reverend Sissel was a big part of the community that is eastern genesee county. He was pastor at Cavalry Baptist back in the 80's and the last time I saw he, he told me he was at Roanoke Community Church,"enjoying his retirement". Lol, he was always doing for others. Sorry to his family, as well as Marty's family, for this tragic, tragic accident. May God provide comfort in this very difficult time.

Ray Sissel was my grandfather. I can tell you he was a pastor for over 60 years and had not drank, nor did he Chat on a cell phone while driving. He had diabetes and most likely was in shock or had a heart attack. I am sorry for the lose of Marty, our whole family is. This was an accident. We are all so sad that it happened this way. It hurts people are assuming he was doing something silly, he was 84! I just dont know why people would be so hurtful at such a sad time. I am sure Marty was a great man. My grandfather did not want to die, or hurt anyone else. It is very sad, it is not a time to get angry. He was a great man of the community and would spend 99% of his day doing for others. We need to help each other, not hurt each other. Especially during a time like this. Jennifer