Labor Day Weekend Fatal Crashes Under Investigation
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into two fatal crashes which occurred over the Labor Day weekend, and the details on each are below.
Town of Wappinger – On 9/4/21 at approximately 6:00 pm Deputies responded to the area of Myers Corners Rd near Route 9 for a crash with serious injuries. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the actual location was on Myers Corners at the southern entrance to the Hannaford’s Plaza, and one person appeared to be seriously injured.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that a 2019 Subaru Outback operated by Charles Goldsmith (age 83 of Poughkeepsie) was pulling out of the plaza making a left hand turn onto Myers Corners Rd when it was struck by a 2005 Yamaha motorcycle operated by Ryan A. Weatherwax, which was traveling westbound on Myers Corners Road. Mr. Weatherwax was transported via ambulance to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital where he later passed away.
The investigation is continuing by members of the Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit and Detective Division, and at this time the primary factor in the crash appears to be a failure to yield the right of way on the part of the Subaru. As a result Mr. Goldsmith was issued two traffic tickets – one for failure to yield right of way and the other for failure to obey a traffic control device (stop sign). The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by members of the New York State Police and Hughsonville Fire Department, and more information may be released as it becomes available.
Amenia – On 9/5/21 at approximately 5:15 pm Deputies responded to South Amenia Rd at the intersection with Kent Rd for a report of a crash. Upon arrival, it was discovered to be a serious crash involving two vehicles and entrapment.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that a 2006 Ford Explorer operated by Felix Santiago (age 31 of Amenia) was traveling westbound on South Amenia Rd when it crossed over the center markings and struck an eastbound 2016 Dodge Ram operated by William Watts (age 68 of Kent, CT). Mr. Santiago was initially trapped inside his vehicle, and once freed was transported to Sharon Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The occupants of the second vehicle were transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation is continuing by members of the Crash Investigation Unit and Detective Division, and at this time the primary factor in the crash appears to be unsafe speed on the part of the Explorer. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by members of the Wassaic Fire Department, Amenia Fire Department, and Northern Dutchess Paramedics and more information may be released as it becomes available.
