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Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Accident


Published: 9/30/2013

For More Information Contact:

Captain John Watterson
(845) 486-3860

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into a two-car fatal accident, which occurred on Sharon Turnpike (State Route 44) near Canoe Hill Rd in the Town of Washington shortly before 9:00 am on 9/30/13.

Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the above location at 9:00 am in response to a Dutchess County 911 call for a crash, and upon arrival it was discovered that the crash involved 2 vehicles with 1 person seriously injured. That person, who has been identified as Melissa Barnett (age 32 of Wassaic NY), was transported to St. Francis Hospital but later died at the hospital. Ms. Barnett was the only occupant in her vehicle.

Investigation has shown that a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier being driven by Ms. Barnett was traveling eastbound on Sharon Turnpike approximately ¼ mile west of Canoe Hill Rd when it crossed into the westbound lane and struck a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer driven by Erin Wynkoop (age 36 of Clinton Corners NY). Mrs. Wynkoop and her passenger, Angel Montoya (age 34 of Wappingers Falls), were both transported to St. Francis Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Sharon Turnpike was closed for approximately 3 ½ hours for the investigation, however is back open at this time. The accident is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit, and more information may be released as it becomes available.