Update*New York State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash in the town of Summerhill

On July 7, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the New York State Police at SP Auburn responded to a report of a serious one-vehicle crash on State Route 90 in the town of Summerhill, Cayuga County.

A preliminary investigation determined that a 2017 Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck, operated by a 51-year-old John R. Sanford, of Groton, NY, was traveling eastbound on State Route 90 when it lost control, exited the north side of the roadway, and overturned.

Sanford by was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The passenger, Lawanda H. Eaton, age 47, of Cortland, NY, had no apparent injuries. She was transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where she remains in stable condition.

The New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) responded and processed the scene.

The New York State Police were assisted by the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office and the Locke Fire Department.

The investigation is ongoing.