CORTLAND, NY — A motorcyclist was killed in a crash on Interstate 81 south on June 13.
New York State Police at Homer responded to the crash at approximately 10:23 a.m. about half a mile south of exit 52.
The motorcyclist was identified as Christopher D. Messerlie, 26, of Watertown.
He was operating a 2001 Victory motorcycle at the time of the crash.
A preliminary investigation indicates Messerlie was traveling south on Interstate 81 when he exited the roadway and struck a guide rail.
He was pronounced deceased on scene.
Both lanes of Interstate 81 south were closed during the investigation, causing an almost two-mile backup at times as motorists were diverted off at exit 52.
The interstate has since reopened.
Troopers were assisted by City of Cortland Police on scene and with traffic control on Clinton Street near the on-ramp to Interstate 81.
Troopers were also assisted by the Cortland Fire Department, Fire Police, the Cortland County Sheriff’s Department and TLC ambulance.
