NO SEAT BELT

The accident has prompted police to again remind drivers about the importance of seat-belt use.

Though Bodah and Munson were properly restrained, Pier was unbuckled at the time of the crash.

Police said tragedy can often be prevented in the event of an accident if back-seat passengers wear the live-saving restraints.

LEAVES WIFE, STEPCHILD

Services for Pier are being held Friday at Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. He will be entombed in New Jersey at a later date.

Pier spent most of his childhood in New Jersey and had moved to the area as a young teen, later graduating from Beekmantown High School.

“He was always on the go and really outgoing,” his wife, Nichole Pier, recalled Wednesday.

“He loved meeting new people and was always so polite. He was just a really good person.”

The young couple met last fall and married in December.

Mr. Pier was killed on the day of their five-month wedding anniversary.

Mrs. Pier said her husband’s death has affected many, including his 3-year-old stepdaughter, with whom he’d grown very close.

After hearing news of Bodah’s arrest, Mrs. Pier said: “He should be in there (jail). My husband’s gone now.”