LAFAYETTE — Austin E. Leonard, 28, of LaFayette, died July 26 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash involving two tractor-trailers on Interstate 81 northbound, according to New York State Police.
Leonard was pronounced dead at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:38 a.m. July 26 when Leonard attempted to pass between two tractor-trailers on his 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Sean M. Ayers, 42, of Dundee, was operating a 2001 Peterbilt tractor-trailer in the driving lane when he experienced a tire blowout, according to the preliminary investigation.
Ayers began to decelerate while attempting to locate a safe area to pull off the roadway.
Barbara L. Armstrong, 66, of Creston, Iowa, was driving a 2024 Peterbilt tractor-trailer in the passing lane and was overtaking Ayers’ vehicle.
As the two tractor-trailers occupied both lanes, Leonard approached from behind and attempted to pass between the trucks.
After passing the trucks, Leonard lost control of the motorcycle and struck the guide rail along the west shoulder.
Leonard was ejected from the motorcycle and transported to the hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition.
The crash remains under investigation.
