MENTZ, NY — New York State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving two motorcycles and a passenger vehicle that occurred on May 10, 2026, at approximately 4:16 p.m. on State Route 31 at the intersection with Brutus Mentz Townline Road.
Preliminary investigation determined that a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, operated by Amber C. Holmes, 33, of Auburn, was traveling northbound on Centerport Road approaching the intersection with State Route 31.
Holmes stopped at the stop sign and then proceeded into the intersection, reportedly failing to observe two westbound motorcycles traveling on State Route 31, which had the right of way.
Both motorcycles struck the passenger side of the Nissan.
The operators of both motorcycles were airlifted to Upstate University Hospital with serious injuries.
One of the operators, identified as Branden J. Paradise, 35, of Lyons, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The second motorcycle operator, Matthew R. Hockenbruckner, 36, of Lyons, remains hospitalized.
A passenger in the Nissan, identified as Raianna C. Lewis, 18, was transported to Auburn Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Nissan remained on scene and has been cooperative with investigators.
There is no indication that alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.
The New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to the scene.
