<p>An assistant professor in the Piano Accompaniment department at the Eastman School of Music, Tatiana Tchekina, 69, of Rochester, was killed in an auto accident early Saturday morning. A driver, whom police said “smelled strongly of alcohol” was going the wrong way on a divided highway when he hit the other vehicle head on. Prof Tchekina died at the scene, while her husband, 71-year-old Oleh Krysa, a violin teacher, also at Eastman, was in the passenger seat. He suffered minor injuries and was released from the hospital Saturday afternoon.</p>
<p>Here is part of the statement from the school’s dean, Jamal Rossi:
“Professor Tchekina was a valued member of our faculty who influenced the lives of the many students with whom she collaborated on performances and competitions. As a word-class musician, she had an international career both as a solo pianist and in collaboration with Professor Krysa. Our thoughts are with Oleh and their family and friends at this very difficult time.”</p>