Albany, NY – Authorities have identified the man killed in a serious crash Tuesday evening on Everett Road near the Interstate 90 exit ramp. The victim, known only as Mardon, was found unresponsive inside his vehicle shortly before 6 p.m. Emergency responders performed life-saving efforts at the scene and rushed him to Albany Medical Center Hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators say the fatal collision happened as Mardon attempted to pull onto Everett Road from the I-90 exit ramp. At that moment, his vehicle was struck by another car traveling north on Everett Road. Police identified the driver of that vehicle as 29-year-old Matthew Merriman of Rotterdam, who they say was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Officers at the scene reported that Merriman showed clear signs of impairment. He was arrested and later charged with second-degree vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, and reckless criminal mischief. Several additional traffic violations were also filed. Following his arraignment in city court, Merriman was ordered held at the Albany County jail, where he remains in custody while the investigation continues.
The crash brought significant delays for commuters as police closed off sections of Everett Road to reconstruct the accident. Investigators collected evidence and began reviewing toxicology results to determine Merriman’s level of impairment. Police have said that early findings strongly suggest alcohol was the central factor in the deadly collision.
For Mardon’s family, the sudden loss has been devastating. Authorities stressed that the tragedy underscores the dangers of impaired driving, which law enforcement agencies across New York have consistently warned about. “This is a preventable crime,” one officer said, urging the public to use alternatives such as rideshare services, designated drivers, or public transit instead of getting behind the wheel after drinking.
Vehicular manslaughter in the second degree is a felony offense in New York that carries the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. With the added charges of drunken driving and reckless mischief, Merriman could face serious legal consequences in court. As the community mourns the loss of Mardon, the Everett Road crash serves as a stark reminder of how one reckless decision can destroy lives in an instant.