New York State Police continue investigation into fatal crash that involved two motorcycles and an SUV on a rural road in Clayton

Clayton, New York – A tragic crash Saturday night in Jefferson County has left two people dead and another hospitalized after a violent collision involving two motorcycles and an SUV on County Route 181 in the town of Clayton.

According to information from the New York State Police, the deadly accident occurred around 9:45 p.m. on July 19, 2025, when first responders were called to the scene of what was quickly described as a chaotic and devastating wreck.

Authorities said a 2019 Harley Davidson motorcycle, carrying both a male driver and a female passenger, was heading westbound but traveling in the eastbound lane of County Route 181. Police reported that the motorcycle struck an oncoming 2014 GMC Terrain SUV head-on. The force of the impact was so severe it caused the GMC to overturn and catch fire. Emergency crews arrived quickly, but tragically, both the man and woman on the motorcycle were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.

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A second motorcycle, identified as a 2006 Harley Davidson, was also heading westbound on CR-181 just behind the first motorcycle. Authorities said this bike struck debris from the initial collision, causing the male rider to be thrown from his motorcycle. He sustained serious injuries and was provided emergency treatment at the crash site before being airlifted by Lifenet to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse. Officials stated he remains hospitalized and under medical care.

The driver and passenger of the GMC Terrain SUV were also checked over by EMS at the scene. Fortunately, they were not seriously injured and declined further medical treatment or transport to the hospital, according to State Police.

The scene of the crash drew a large response from multiple agencies. In addition to the New York State Police, assisting at the scene were the Town of Clayton and Town of Orleans Fire Departments, the Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Squad (TIERS), the Clayton Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Park Police.

Authorities continue to investigate what led the first motorcycle to travel in the wrong lane shortly before the crash. Police have not released the names of any of the individuals involved, pending notification of family members.

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The investigation remains active, and officials are working to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to this fatal collision on the rural stretch of road.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can unfold in an instant on quiet roads, especially at night.

“Both occupants of the motorcycle were ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel.”

“The male operator of the second motorcycle was ejected and sustained injuries. He was treated at the scene and later airlifted by Lifenet to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse, where he remains under medical care.”

“The operator and passenger of the GMC Terrain were evaluated at the scene and declined transport to a hospital.”