CORTLANDVILLE, N.Y. — Authorities are investigating a fatal crash that occurred in the town of Cortlandville on New Year's Day, New York State Police announced Wednesday.
At about 11:24 p.m. Sunday, state police in Homer responded to a one-car crash on East River Road in Cortlandville. Responding troopers arrived to find a 2001 Honda Civic that had rolled over onto its roof off the west shoulder of the road.
An initial investigation has determined that Ryan D. Card, 23, of Cortland, was driving the vehicle northbound when he "failed to negotiate a curve" in the roadway, striking some trees before rolling over down an embankment, according to New York State Public Information Officer Nathan Riegal.
Card was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy will be conducted by Cortland County Coroner Kevin Sharp, Riegal said.
Two passengers in the vehicle suffered non-life threatening injuries. Sheldon L. Clawson, 22, was extricated by the Cortlandville Fire Department at the scene and transported by ambulance to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. He suffered several contusions and fractures, police said.
Nikiah M. Hakes, 18, of Groton, was transported to Upstate Medical Center with internal injuries.
It's unclear if Card was impaired by drugs or alcohol in the crash. State police said Wednesday they are continuing their investigation.
