We have sad news to report. One of the farmers that was seriously injured in a tractor accident in Claverack has died.
We learned that 86 year old Bernard Jutkofsky has died from his injuries. Both he and his son were run over by a tractor September 28th.
Original press release:
SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATING SERIOUS INJURY FARM TRACTOR ACCIDENT
Claverack, New York – Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports that Deputy Sheriff’s, Greenport Police Department, Greenport Fire Department, and Greenport Rescue Squad were dispatched by Columbia County 911 at 2:30pm this date, to the Jutkofsky Farm located at #301 Route 23B in the Town of Claverack for a report of two men seriously injured by a farm tractor.
Deputies found that Bernard Jutkofsky, age 86, was operating an International Harvester 1066 farm tractor towing a brush hog that was used for mowing the fields. Mr. Jutkofsky had briefly stopped mowing, shut the tractor off, and exited the tractor cab. When he went to start the tractor, it was done from the ground next to the engine. The tractor was still in gear and when it started, Bernard Jutkofsky was run over by the rear tire.
Additionally, Bernard’s son Jay Jutkofsky, age 48, was standing next to the tractor and was also run over when it started.
Bernard Jutkofsky was airlifted to Albany Medical Center by Lifenet. Jay Jutkofsky was initially transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital by Greenport Rescue and then later airlifted to Albany Medical Center.
Both individuals are listed in critical, but stable condition at this time with internal injuries.
Investigating for the Sheriff’s Office were Lieutenant Wayne Lopez, Sr. Investigator Mark Dunspaugh, Investigator Ian Boehme, Sergeant Brian Molinski, Sergeant Peter Grzeskow, Deputy Timothy Gladwin, Deputy Daniel Keyser, and Deputy John Sullivan.