New York State Division of State Police

07/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/15/2024 12:12

State Police Investigate Amish Buggy Fatal in Lowville

On July 14, 2024, at about 7:24 p.m., State Police members responded to State Route 12 near Yancey Road in the town of Lowville, for a crash involving a motor vehicle and an Amish buggy.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2020 black Ford Escape, operated by Jared J. Spaulding, age 40, from Copenhagen, NY, was traveling north on State Route 12 in the town of Lowville when it struck the rear portion of an Amish buggy traveling in the same direction. Spaulding left the scene of the accident and continued north.

As a result of the collision, all five occupants of the Amish buggy were ejected. A 17-year-old Amish male was found deceased at the scene.

A 21-year-old male, 20-year-old female, 18-year-old female, and 16-year-old male were also injured. Their names are being withheld pending notification of family.

Two of the male occupants were transported to Lewis County Hospital with serious non-life-threatening injuries. The two females sustained minor injuries.

The operator of the SUV, Spaulding, was later located at his residence. Charges are pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

State Police were assisted by Members of Lewis County Search and Rescue, Lowville Fire Department, Rutland Fire Department, Castorland Fire Department, Lewis County Sheriff's Office, Lewis County Fire & Emergency Management, and the Lewis County District Attorney's Office.