Car accident in the West leaves one dead and one injured

WESTERN, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — One person was hospitalized as a result of a car crash in the town of Western on Wednesday, June 19, according to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday, sheriffs were called to State Route 46 in the town of Western at approximately 11:15 a.m. Further investigation revealed that three different vehicles were involved in the crash. The first vehicle – driven by 69-year-old James Shaughnessy of Canastota – was traveling south on State Route 46 when it struck the rearview mirror of the second vehicle – driven by 50-year-old Anthony Donatelli of Forestport.

Following this collision, Shaughnessy lost control of his vehicle and veered into the northbound lanes, where he collided head-on with another vehicle. Shaughnessy was ejected from the vehicle in the collision.

Shaughnessy was taken to SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse via Mercy Flight for his injuries. According to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, his injuries are not life-threatening. Donatelli was not injured in the initial collision and only suffered property damage.

The driver of the third vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released pending notification of his next of kin.

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division is still investigating the accident. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact Investigator Nicholas Marcano at 315-765-2715.

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the New York State Police, Western Township Fire Department, Mercy Flight and Amcare Ambulance of Rome.