Troopers investigate fatal crash in New Berlin

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

Update (August 5, 2020) - The operator of the vehicle that crossed over into on-coming traffic is identified as Kerri L. Bunnelle, age 31 of Little Falls, NY. 

 

The operator who was traveling southbound and was pronounced deceased at the scene is identified as Mathew R. Fredericks, age 43 of Herkimer, NY. 

 

The investigation is on-going. 

 

 

 

Original release:  On August 4, 2020 at approximately 2:44 p.m., New York State Police at Norwich responded to a report of a two-car crash on State Highway 8 in the town of New Berlin. 

An investigation at the scene revealed that a vehicle traveling northbound on State Highway 8 crossed over into the opposite lane of traffic and struck a vehicle head-on.  The operator of the vehicle traveling southbound was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The driver who was traveling northbound was transported to Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica by Sherburne EMS. 

The investigation is on-going.  No further identifying information will be released pending next of kin notification.  The drivers were the sole occupants of each vehicle.   

New Berlin Fire also responded to the scene and NYS DOT assisted with traffic control.  State Highway 8 between Route 80 and County Route 25 was closed during the investigation for approximately five hours.