On May 21, 2023, at approximately 6:00 p.m., State Troopers from the Liberty barracks responded to 3207 State Route 55 in the town of Bethel for a report of two motorcycles involved in a crash.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Joseph Messina, age 40 and William Bailey, age 42, both from Dingman’s Ferry, Pennsylvania, were traveling south on State Route 55 when they collided with one another. Messina was operating a 2012 Harley Davidson and Bailey was operating a 2003 Harley Davidson, Bailey was ejected from his motorcycle and struck a utility pole, life-saving measures were performed by members of the White Lake Fire Department, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Messina was transported to Garnet Hospital in Catskills where he was treated and released. During the investigation it was determined that Messina was impaired by alcohol and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 1^st degree. He was released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Bethel Town Court on June 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

This incident remains under investigation.