Fatal Canaan Crash

On November 28, 2024, the New York State Police began investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash on Route 295 west of Stony Kill Road in the town of Canaan at approximately 5:50 p.m.

Troopers arrived on scene and immediately rendered aid to the ejected rear passenger later identified as, Sierra Tassone, age 20, of Pittsfield, MA. She was transported to Berkshire Medical Center by Chatham Rescue where she was later pronounced deceased.

The crash investigation was consistent with the vehicle operator losing control during slippery conditions, overturned, and leaving the roadway before striking a utility pole. Initially, Sarah M. Kucka, age 27, of Adams, MA, claimed to have been the operator. Further investigation revealed Shawn A. Barnwell, age 25, of Bronx, NY, had been operating the vehicle at the time of the crash with a suspended license.

Barnwell was issued the appropriate traffic tickets. Kucka was subsequently arrested for Obstruction of Governmental Administration, a class A misdemeanor, and Conspiracy in the 6^th degree, a class B misdemeanor. She was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Canaan Court on December 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

This investigation remains ongoing.