The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has identified the motorcyclist who was killed in a single-vehicle crash over the weekend in Brighton. Authorities confirmed the victim as 28-year-old Jerry W. May Jr. of Rochester, who died after striking a roadside guide rail.
The fatal crash happened on Saturday, September 20, in the northbound lanes of Interstate 590 near Monroe Avenue. Investigators said May was riding northbound when his motorcycle veered off course and collided with the rail. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but May was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved, and no additional injuries were reported.
In a statement following the tragedy, Sheriff’s Office spokesperson David Marcucci extended condolences to May’s loved ones, calling the crash “a painful reminder of the dangers faced by motorcyclists on our highways.” Deputies and first responders worked to secure the scene, assist with traffic control, and begin the investigation into what caused the deadly collision.
Authorities say the crash investigation remains active. While the cause of the motorcycle’s movement into the rail has not been determined, deputies are reviewing several possible factors. These include speed, roadway conditions, and mechanical issues. The Sheriff’s Office has also encouraged potential witnesses or anyone who saw the motorcycle before the crash to come forward with information that may aid in reconstructing the events.
Motorcycle accidents, while less common than passenger vehicle crashes, carry a significantly higher risk of fatalities. Riders lack the protective barriers that car occupants have, meaning collisions with fixed objects such as guide rails are often deadly. Law enforcement and safety advocates continue to urge motorcyclists to wear helmets, use protective gear, and adopt defensive driving practices. Officials also stress that all drivers must remain alert and share the road responsibly to help prevent tragedies.
For family and friends of Jerry May Jr., the loss has brought sudden grief. His death adds to growing concerns about roadway fatalities in Monroe County and has sparked renewed calls for road safety awareness. As investigators work to determine what caused the crash, the Rochester community mourns a young life cut short on a busy highway.