State Police Investigate Fatal Crash in the town of Bridgewater

On January 28, 2024, at 3:23 p.m., State Police in Marcy responded to a two-vehicle crash on State Route 8, south of State Route 20 in the town of Bridgewater, Oneida County.

A 2003 Honda Civic, operated by James J. Cole, age 32 from Little Falls, NY was traveling northbound on State Route 8 at an unsafe speed, crossed into the southbound lane, and lost control. The vehicle’s passenger side struck a 2022 Freightliner tractor-trailer, operated by Whitfield M. James, age 47 from Utica, NY. 

Cole was transported to Wynn Hospital by West Winfield Ambulance for serious head injuries. A passenger in the vehicle, Michelle J. Machnica, age 34 from Dolgeville, NY was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Mr. James was not injured in the crash. 

State Police were assisted at the scene by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, West Winfield Ambulance, and the Bridgewater Fire Department.

The investigation is continuing.