NYSP investigates fatal crash on I-81 in Cortland County

Press Release

On August 15, 2024, at approximately 1:10 p.m., New York State Police at Homer, the New York State Police Traffic Incident Management Unit (TIM) and New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 in Marathon.

A preliminary investigation at the scene indicates that MD Sanzid Bin Rashid, age 26, of Bronx, NY was traveling north on Interstate 81 in a Honda SUV. Just north of the Marathon exit, Sanzid encountered slowed traffic due to construction. Rashid was in the right lane when he swerved from the right lane to avoid stopped traffic and went into the left lane striking a Toyota. Both the Honda and the Toyota went off the roadway. The Honda overturned, landing on its side.

The operator of the Toyota, a 71-year-old male from New Jersey did not survive the crash. A passenger in the Toyota, a 70-year-old female of New Jersey was transported to Upstate Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Rashid was treated at the scene.

The investigation continues.

The New York State Police thanks members from the Department of Transportation for assisting at the scene.