Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Cayuga County Highlights Traffic Safety Concerns
A tragic accident occurred on Route 31 in Mentz, Cayuga County, resulting in the death of one motorcyclist and serious injuries to another. The crash involved two motorcycles and an SUV, taking place around 4:15 p.m. on May 10. According to New York State Police, a 33-year-old woman driving the SUV failed to see the motorcycles as she entered the intersection from Centerport Road, leading to a collision. The motorcyclists, Branden Paradise and Matthew Hockenbruckner, were both seriously injured and transported to Upstate University Hospital. Paradise succumbed to his injuries, while Hockenbruckner remains hospitalized. The SUV driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with authorities, who have ruled out alcohol and drugs as factors in the crash.