MAMAKATING – On March 22, 2025, at approximately 5:19 p.m., Troopers and Investigators from State Police Wurtsboro responded to a two-car motor vehicle collision near Exit 113 on State Route 17 Eastbound in the town of Mamakating.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Mercedes Sprinter Van was traveling westbound on State Route 17. A 2021 Hyundai was traveling eastbound on the same route. The operator and sole occupant of the 2019 Mercedes Sprinter Van, identified as Robert Cromer, age 62, of Liberty, NY, exited the roadway off the south shoulder, subsequently crossing over the center median.  The vehicle then entered the eastbound lane, traveling the wrong way, and struck the 2021 Hyundai, head on. Both vehicles subsequently struck the southern guiderail before coming to a stop.

The operator of the 2021 Hyundai, identified as Jose A. Santiago Jr., age 65, of Washingtonville, NY, succumbed to his injuries on the scene and was pronounced deceased. The passenger of the Hyundai, identified as Blanca I. Santiago, age 64, of Washingtonville, was transported by ambulance to Garnet Medical Center Middletown where she remains in stable condition. Cromer sustained minor injuries, was evaluated at the scene and released.

This investigation remains ongoing.  Anyone who observed the accident is asked to call SP Wurtsboro BCI at 845-888-2681.