SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATES FATAL ACCIDENT IN COPAKE
Copake, NY – Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports that Sheriff's Patrols were dispatched by Columbia County 911 at approximately 11:54pm on May 11, 2019 for a two vehicle accident on State Route 23, just east of County Route 7 in the Town of Copake.
Deputy Sheriff's found that a 2008 Toyota Highlander, operated by 42 year old Jamie Wing of Norwalk Connecticut, was traveling westbound on State Route 23 and for unknown reasons, crossed over into the eastbound lane and struck a 2007 Saab, which was traveling eastbound. The Toyota then went over a guard rail and struck a utility pole where the vehicle finally came to rest.
Mr. Wing had to be extricated from the vehicle and was transported by Community Rescue Squad to Columbia Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Saab was operated by 28 year old Harle Edwards of Craryville New York, who sustained facial injuries and a broken arm from the crash. He was transported by Greenport Rescue Squad to Albany Medical Center.
The accident is still under investigation by Sheriff’s Deputies, Sheriff’s Investigators, and the Sheriff’s Accident/Incident Investigation Unit. Coroner Bernadette Powis is also investigating and there is an autopsy scheduled for tomorrow, May 13, 2019.
State Route 23 was closed for approximately 3.5 hours during the investigation.
Community Rescue Squad, Greenport Rescue Squad, Craryville Fire Company, Hillsdale Fire Company, and State Police assisted at the scene.
Investigating for the Sheriff’s Office were Captain John DeRocha, Lieutenant Wayne Lopez, Senior Investigator William Foster, Investigator William Dunspaugh, Investigator Ian Boehme, Deputies Daniel Keyser, Matthew Leonard, Patrick Mayo, and Patrick McMahon.