ALBANY, N.Y. — State Police have identified the victim in a fatal wrong-way crash that occurred early Sunday morning on Route 787 as 38-year-old Eric J. Hurley of Albany. The tragic collision took place around 4:39 a.m. near Exit 2, leaving one man dead and another hospitalized as investigators work to determine what led to the devastating accident.
According to New York State Police, Hurley was traveling northbound on Route 787 when his vehicle was struck head-on by another car heading south in the northbound lane. The impact was severe, and despite the rapid arrival of emergency responders, Hurley was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities described the crash as violent, with both vehicles sustaining extensive damage.
The driver of the wrong-way vehicle has been identified only as a 44-year-old man from Coxsackie. Officials said he was transported to a local hospital, where he remains under medical care. His condition has not been disclosed, and police have not released his name as no charges have been filed at this time.
Investigators are working to piece together the events that led to the crash, including determining how and why the driver entered the northbound lanes traveling in the opposite direction. Troopers are examining traffic camera footage, road markings, and witness statements to establish whether speed, impairment, or driver confusion contributed to the fatal incident.
The deadly wrong-way collision has reignited concerns among local residents about highway safety along Route 787, which has seen similar incidents in the past. Traffic experts often warn that such crashes, while rare, tend to have devastating consequences due to the force of the impact at high speeds.
State Police continue to urge all drivers to remain alert, especially during early morning hours when visibility is reduced and fatigue can impair judgment. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed the wrong-way driver before the collision is encouraged to contact the New York State Police Troop G to assist with the ongoing investigation.