NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — A "severely damaged" data recorder from the fatal crash at the Rainbow Bridge last month has been recovered, Niagara Falls Police confirmed Saturday afternoon.
"Officers are diligently working towards recovering any information from the recorder," Niagara Falls Police said in a statement announcing the news.
The investigation by the Niagara Falls Police Department’s Crash Management Unit is ongoing.
Kurt Villani was driving Nov. 22, with his wife Monica as a passenger, when their 2022 Bentley Flying Spur crashed into a customs booth.
Bentley Motors, according to police, is requiring subpoenas to release "any personal information, documentation, and records on this particular vehicle." The Niagara Falls Police Department is working with the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office to secure those subpoenas.
A subpoena by police would legally compel Bentley Motors to share whatever information was sent by the car's onboard computer or "black box" in the moments before it crashed.
"Investigating officers are in communication with Bentley Motors," police said. "They have provided us with documentation about prior recalls as well as general information about the data recorder, 'black box' (location in the vehicle etc.)."
Erin Bonner, a spokesperson for Bentley USA, said Friday in a statement to 2 On Your Side: “Our thoughts remain with the family of the occupants of the car, and we are working with the authorities to help with their investigations. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."
Police are also in contact with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board regarding the deadly crash.
A medical examiner’s report has not been issued yet.