January 21, 2025
Update: The driver of the BMW X5 is identified as Steven D. Wiedeman, age 76 of Otego, NY (deceased).
The driver of the Toyota RAV4 is identified as Connor J. Ashley, age 24 of Otego.
The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado is identified as Patrick T. Kaja, age 52 of East Meredith, NY. Three passengers ages 12, 11 and 6 were also in the vehicle.
Original Press Release: On January 21, 2025, at approximately 3:50 p.m., New York State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 7 and County Highway 9 in the town of Oneonta.
A preliminary investigation at the scene determined that a BMW X5 was traveling on State Highway 7 when for an unknown reason, the BMW struck a Toyota Rav4 from behind while the Toyota was waiting to turn left from State Highway 7 onto County Highway 9. As a result of the initial collision, the Toyota Rav4 was pushed into the path of a Chevrolet Silverado and they collided head-on.
The operator of the BMW, a 76-year-old male was pronounced deceased on scene, it is unknown at this time whether he died as a result of the collision or if he suffered a medical event.
The operator of the Rav4, a 24-year-old male was transported to A.O Fox Hospital to be checked out.
The operator of the Chevrolet Silverado, a 52-year-old male and three children were checked out on scene but not transported.
The roadway was closed and reopened shortly before 8 p.m.
The investigation is on-going.
Contact Troop C Public Information Officer: Trooper Aga Tinker
Troop C Commander:
Major Lucas M. Shuta