Greenport, New York – On November 13, 2023, the New York State Police began investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash on State Route 23 in the town of Greenport.

Troopers were dispatched to State Route 23 near Ponderosa Drive by Columbia County 911 at approximately 5:45 p.m. for two fully engulfed vehicles.

Greenport Fire Department extricated Michelle J. Burnham, age 59, of Delanson, NY, from her burning 2003 Hyundai Elantra and turned her over to Greenport Rescue for medical care.  Burnham was transported to Albany Medical Center in critical condition.

The operator of the other vehicle involved, David Warfield, age 57, of Hudson, NY, who was operating a 2011 Toyota Tacoma was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Initial investigation found that Warfield was traveling eastbound on State Route 23 in the westbound lane passing multiple vehicles.  Warfield then struck Burnham in the eastbound lane while attempting to avoid an uninvolved westbound vehicle.

This investigation remains ongoing.