State Police are currently investigating a tragic incident on the New York State Thruway in Farmington where a pedestrian was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer.
The accident occurred around 7:24 p.m. on August 18 between Exit 44 (Canandaigua) and Exit 43 (Manchester) at mile marker 344.5.
Initial findings suggest the 46-year-old male, who had known mental health issues and drove a 2014 Audi S4, suddenly jumped into the path of an oncoming 2024 Freightliner tractor-trailer.
The driver of the truck, John R. Lapolla, 59, from Florida, spotted the Audi with its hazard lights activated on the road’s shoulder.
Unable to change lanes due to traffic, Lapolla was caught off guard when the man entered the roadway.
Despite immediate braking, Lapolla couldn’t avoid the collision. The Ontario County Coroner pronounced the man dead at the scene, while Lapolla remained unharmed.
Several agencies provided support at the crash site, including the Victor Farmington Ambulance, Farmington Fire Department, and specialized State Police units.
Preliminary reports indicate impairment wasn’t a contributing factor in the accident. Still, in line with federal regulations, Lapolla underwent a mandatory drug test at a nearby hospital. The investigation into this tragic event is ongoing.
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