PRESS RELEASE
On July 5, 2023, at approximately 2 p.m., New York State Police Monroe responded to a serious collision on State Route 293 in the town of Highlands.

Investigation revealed that a 2019 BMW 335i, operated by Dillon Ortiz, age 28 from the town of Haverstraw was traveling north on State Route 293 and passed a dump truck on the eastern shoulder that was also traveling north. After passing the truck, Ortiz reentered the roadway and crossed over into the southern lane and struck a 2017 Chevrolet-Silverado on the driver side causing the BMW to leave the roadway and roll off the eastern shoulder coming to a rest in a wooded area. Troopers arrived at the scene and observed Ortiz in the vehicle with a serious head injury. Troopers immediately began life-saving measures. Dillon Ortiz was transported to Westchester Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.  Dina Vasto, age 28 from Lyndhurst, New Jersey, a passenger in the pick-up truck was transported to Montefiore St Luke’s Hospital where she was treated for a broken leg. The operator of that vehicle did not suffer any injuries.