Executive Summary
- Jennifer L. Burke, 63, was killed in a head-on collision on U.S. Route 9W in Esopus, New York.
- Authorities report the victim’s vehicle crossed into the southbound lane and struck a Volkswagen Tiguan.
- Route 9W was closed for over four hours as multiple agencies responded to the scene.
A 63-year-old woman from Port Ewen was killed early Wednesday morning following a head-on collision on U.S. Route 9W in Esopus, New York. New York State Police identified the victim as Jennifer L. Burke, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to authorities, Burke was traveling north in a Smart car just after 6 a.m. when her vehicle crossed into the southbound lane for unknown reasons. The vehicle subsequently struck a Volkswagen Tiguan driven by a 49-year-old man from West Park. Police officials reported that Burke was ejected from her vehicle upon impact.
The driver of the Volkswagen, whose identity has not been publicly released, became trapped in the wreckage. A release from the Esopus Fire Department indicated that he required extrication via a side window. He was subsequently transported by the New Paltz Rescue Squad to Vassar Brothers Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Emergency response teams, including the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, the Town of Lloyd Police Department, Esopus Ambulance Squad, and Empress EMS, arrived to find both vehicles off the roadway on opposite sides of Route 9W. Authorities confirmed that the roadway remained closed for more than four hours to facilitate the emergency response and site clearing.
Investigative Outlook
The New York State Police Highland Bureau of Criminal Investigation is currently leading the inquiry into the fatal incident. Investigators are working to determine the specific factors that caused Burke’s vehicle to drift into oncoming traffic. Law enforcement officials have requested that anyone with information regarding the collision contact the Highland Bureau directly at 845-344-5300.
