January 22, 2026
Esopus, NY
On January 21, 2026, at approximately 6:14 a.m., troopers from the Highland Barracks responded to the area of 1835 State Route 9W in the Town of Esopus for a two-vehicle motor vehicle collision.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2009 Smart car was traveling northbound on State Route 9W when, for unknown reasons, it crossed into the southbound lane of travel and struck a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan head-on.
The operator of the Smart car was identified as Jennifer L. Burke, age 63, of Port Ewen, NY, was ejected from the vehicle. Burke ultimately succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Volkswagen Tiguan was identified as a 49-year-old male from West Park, NY. He was transported to Vassar Brothers Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact the New York State Police Highland Bureau of Criminal Investigation at (845) 344-5300.
Contact Troop F Public Information Officer: Trooper Jennifer Alvarez
Troop F Commander:
Major Andre R. Terry