Two separate fatal crashes under investigation
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into two (2) separate fatal crashes that occurred over this past weekend. The details of each are below.
12/5/20 at approximately 6:00 pm
On the above date and time Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Route 82 near Clove Branch Road in East Fishkill for a report of a car-pedestrian crash. Investigation revealed that Jenna A. Wilkins (age 24 of Hopewell Junction) was walking northbound on an unlit portion of Route 82 when she was struck by a 2007 Hyundai SUV. Ms. Wilkins suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
At this time no charges have been filed and the primary contributing factor in the crash appears to be the actions of the pedestrian. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the New York State Police, Dutchess County Medical Examiner, and East Fishkill Fire Department. The investigation is continuing by the Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau and Crash Investigation Unit, and more information may be released as it becomes available. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information about it is asked to contact Detective Twaddell at 845-486-3828. Information can also be provided via the Sheriff’s Office tipline at 845-486-2583 or dcsotips@gmail.com, and all information will be kept confidential.
12/6/20 at approximlately 12:30 pm
On the above date and time Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Route 22 near Smithfield Road in the Town of North East for a report of a serious crash. Investigation revealed that James M. Shaughnessy (age 52 of Millerton) was operating a 2000 Chevrolet S-10 pickup southbound on Route 22 when the operator lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle then exited the roadway onto the western shoulder and struck a tree. Mr. Shaughnessy, who was the sole occupant, suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
At this time the primary contributing factor in the crash appears to be driver inattention, and the investigation is continuing by the Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau and Crash Investigation Unit. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the New York State Police, Dutchess County Medical’s Examiner’s Office, Northern Dutchess Paramedics, and the Millerton and Amenia Fire Departments. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information about it is asked to contact Detective Wilber at 845-486-3826. Information can also be provided via the Sheriff’s Office tipline at 845-486-2583 or dcsotips@gmail.com, and all information will be kept confidential.
