ROCHESTER, NY — The New York State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred May 29, 2026, following a police pursuit.
At approximately 10:14 a.m., members of the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit attempted to stop a 2009 Ford Fusion for Vehicle and Traffic Law violations near Hudson Avenue and Avenue D.
The vehicle failed to comply, resulting in a pursuit through several city streets.
At approximately 10:20 a.m., State Police investigators successfully deployed a tire deflation device at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Seneca Parkway.
The 2009 Ford Fusion continued southbound on Lake Avenue before sideswiping a 2011 GMC Acadia that was changing lanes.
The Ford Fusion subsequently lost control, crossed into the northbound lanes, and collided head-on with a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Following the collision, the Ford Fusion became engulfed in flames.
Troopers immediately attempted rescue efforts and used fire extinguishers in an effort to suppress the fire and remove the operator from the vehicle.
Due to the intensity of the flames, they were unable to reach the operator.
The operator of the Ford Fusion was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators are working to positively identify the deceased and notify next of kin.
The operator of the GMC Acadia was evaluated by EMS and reported no injuries.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee operator and rear-seat passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
A front-seat passenger was transported for treatment of a serious injury and was reported to be in stable condition.
The State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Forensic Identification Unit, and Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene.
Representatives from the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office also responded.
A postmortem examination is scheduled to be conducted by the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The New York State Police were assisted by the Rochester Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Rochester Fire Department, and AMR Ambulance.
The incident remains under investigation by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the New York State Attorney General’s Office, in accordance with New York State law.
