A Rensselaer police officer has been accused of driving under the influence in a deadly crash that killed his passenger. YNN's Lori Chung reports.

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EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y. -- "Kind, compassionate, really giving to others, unselfish," said Rick Leach, Bethlehem High School football coach.

That's how Rick Leach says he'll remember Sean Murphy, the former Bethlehem High School running back and star athlete killed in a horrific crash in East Greenbush Wednesday. The 22-year-old's untimely passing as stunning as the circumstances officials say lead to his death.

"Obviously shock," Leach said. "But my thoughts go out to his family."

Police say Murphy was a passenger in this twisted wreck. The driver, Mark Fusco, 22, a rookie cop with the Rennsselaer PD and son of department chief, Rick Fusco. Investigators say Fusco was driving drunk on Third Avenue Extension near Grove Street when he lost control and slammed into a tree. Murphy was ejected and died at the scene.

"The chief has asked to respect his privacy. He's going to handle the personal matter. At the present time, an internal investigation has been started," said Rensselaer Police Deputy Chief Jim Frankoski.

The future of his job aside, Fusco has been charged with DWI. Leach says Murphy was the face of the varsity football program for two years and was just as big of a star off the field. He's among the family and friends mourning a life of limitless potential, cut down way too soon.

Leach said, "The reason Sean was like he was, was because of his parents, they're two of the best people that I've met in this profession and he was just a great kid and they're great people and I feel terrible for them."