Alcohol not a factor in fatal Cortland crash, police say

PREBLE, N.Y. – Alcohol did not play a role in a fatal crash on I-81 that left two Cortland teens dead, according to police.

A state trooper confirmed Friday that driver inexperience was a contributing factor in the May 22 rollover crash that killed two Cortland High School students.

Police say Andrea Czimmer, 17, was traveling southbound on I-81 in Preble when her vehicle overturned several times.

Alexis Porter, a passenger in the back seat, was ejected from the vehicle. She was transported to Upstate Medical Center where she died of her injuries.

The front seat passenger, 18-year-old Michael K. Conlon, suffered internal injuries in the crash. He was released from the hospital earlier this month.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.