Sheriff’s Office investigates fatal auto accident in Tivoli

For More Information Contact:

Captain John Watterson
(845) 486-3860

Poughkeepsie…The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into a two-car auto fatal accident, which occurred at approximately 10:00 am on 3/3/14 on State Route 9G in the Village of Tivoli. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the intersection of 9G and West Kerley Corners Road at the above date and time for a report of an auto accident involving injuries. Upon arrival it was learned that there were a total of 3 people involved in the crash, and one of them had apparent life-threatening injuries. The people and vehicles involved are as follows:

Vehicle 1

• 2003 Nissan 350z
• Operator: Brandon M. O’Connell (age 21 of Hudson, NY). Pronounced dead at Northern Dutchess Hospital.
• Front seat passenger: Eric Hill, age 25 of Germantown NY. Flown from the scene to Albany Medical Center, where he is in stable condition.

Vehicle 2

• 2006 GMC box truck
• Owned by Residuals Mgt Service of Vernon, NJ
• Operated by James Frizzell, age 38 of Franklin NJ. Treated and released from Northern Dutchess Hospital.

Investigation has revealed that vehicle 1 was making a left hand turn from West Kerley Cnrs Rd to go southbound on Route 9G when it was struck on the driver’s side by vehicle 2, which was northbound on 9G. The investigation is continuing, however at this time it appears as though failure to yield the right of way on the part of vehicle 1 is the primary cause of the accident. No charges have been filed at this time, and Route 9G was closed for approximately 4 hrs during the investigation (has since reopened).

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by members of the New York State Police, Village of Red Hook Police, Tivoli Fire Dept., Northern Dutchess Paramedics, and Red Hook Rescue Squad. The investigation is continuing by members of the Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit, and more information may be released as it becomes available.