For More Information Contact:
Captain John Watterson, 845-486-3860
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into a fatal crash involving two cars and a motorcycle, which occurred on State Route 55 near Mandalay Drive in the Town of LaGrange at approximately 7:30 am on 9/26/17.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that a 2009 Mazda operated by Judith Meredith (age 57 of Poughkeepsie) was traveling westbound on State Route 55 near Mandalay Drive when it crossed over the center pavement markings and struck an eastbound 1998 Kawasaki motorcycle. After striking the motorcycle the Mazda then re-entered the westbound lane and struck a 2004 Toyota sedan operated by Brandon Farias (age 23 of Poughkeepsie). The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, Ms. Meredith was transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and Mr. Farias was uninjured. The identity of the motorcyclist is being withheld at this time pending the notification of the next of kin. At this time no charges have been filed, and driver fatigue appears to be a likely contributing factor.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Dutchess County Medical Examiner’s Office and the LaGrange Fire Department. The investigation is continuing by members of the Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit, and more information may be released as it becomes available.