State police continue investigation into a fatal pedestrian crash on the Palisades Parkway in the town of Clarkstown

Clarkstown, New York – New York State Police are continuing to investigate a deadly pedestrian crash that shut down a stretch of the Palisades Interstate Parkway Friday evening in the Town of Clarkstown, leaving a woman dead and raising questions about how she ended up in active traffic lanes.

According to authorities, the incident unfolded on January 3, 2025, at approximately 6:05 p.m., when troopers from the State Police Haverstraw barracks were dispatched to the northbound side of the parkway near Exit 9. Multiple reports indicated that a female was in the roadway, creating an immediate and dangerous situation for passing drivers during the busy evening hours.

Preliminary findings show that the woman, who has not yet been identified, was standing or moving within a travel lane when she was struck by a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The impact reportedly threw the victim into an adjacent passing lane, where she was then hit by a second vehicle, a 2014 Mini Cooper, traveling through the area.

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Emergency responders arrived quickly and began lifesaving measures at the scene. Due to the severity of her injuries, the woman was rushed to Nyack Hospital for advanced medical treatment. Despite the efforts of first responders and hospital staff, the victim later died from her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

At this time, police have not released the woman’s identity, and officials say notification of next of kin is still pending. Authorities noted that additional information will be shared with the public once it becomes available and appropriate to do so.

The collision caused significant traffic disruptions along the Palisades Parkway as investigators worked to secure the scene, document evidence, and reconstruct the events leading up to the fatal crash. The roadway is known for fast-moving traffic, particularly during evening hours, which investigators say can make pedestrian incidents especially dangerous and often deadly.

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State Police have emphasized that the investigation is still active. Troopers are examining vehicle data, roadway conditions, and any possible contributing factors, including visibility and traffic flow at the time of the incident. No charges or citations have been announced as of now.

Authorities are asking for the public’s help as they work to piece together what happened. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information that could assist investigators is urged to contact the New York State Police Haverstraw Bureau of Criminal Investigation at (845) 344-5300.

As the investigation continues, officials are reminding drivers to remain alert, especially during low-light conditions, and urging pedestrians to avoid high-speed roadways where foot traffic is prohibited and extremely hazardous.