NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Major Vincent T. Lightcap
Troop D Commander
On February 22, 2023, at 9:48 p.m., State Police in Watertown responded to a car vs pedestrian crash on State Route 342 just west of LeRay Street in the town of LeRay.
The preliminary investigation has determined that a 2005 Subaru Legacy, operated by Ildar Salakhutdinov, age 32 from Watertown, NY was traveling west on State Route 342 when he came upon a pedestrian, 17-year-old India I. Willmert, from Watertown, NY walking west in the driving lane wearing dark clothing. The driver stated he was unable to avoid striking Willmert causing her to be thrown to the south shoulder of State Route 342.
Willmert suffered serious internal injuries and was transported to Samaritan Medical Center and later airlifted by Life Flight to Upstate University Hospital where she was listed in critical condition.
Mr. Salakhutdinov was not injured in the crash. Troopers conducted tests at the scene, which determined negative results for any alcohol/drug impairment.
The investigation is continuing.