State Police investigate fatal pedestrian crash involving vehicle on State Route 126 in Champion

New York – State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that happened early Tuesday morning in the town of Champion, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old Watertown man.

The crash was reported at approximately 4:24 a.m. on September 8, 2026, when State Police in Carthage responded to State Route 126 following reports of a vehicle striking a pedestrian. The collision occurred as traffic was moving along the roadway in the early morning hours.

According to a preliminary investigation, a 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander was traveling eastbound on State Route 126 when it struck a pedestrian who was also traveling eastbound on foot. The vehicle was operated by Jeramie J. Palladino, 53, of Carthage, NY.

Investigators said the pedestrian, a 45-year-old male from Watertown, was believed to have been in the roadway when the crash occurred. He was also believed to have been wearing dark clothing at the time.

Read also: Congressman Pat Ryan and Hudson Valley residents rally against 25-year PFAS cleanup delay after silence from the Department of Defense

The pedestrian was determined to be deceased shortly after the collision. Authorities have not released additional information about the man’s identity.

State Police have not announced any further details about what led to the crash. The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision.

The early-morning timing of the crash and the pedestrian’s reported clothing are among the details being considered as investigators piece together what happened on State Route 126. Officials have not indicated whether any charges have been filed in connection with the incident.

Read also: Rochester City School District welcomes more than 20,000 students back for the 2026–2027 school year

Emergency crews responded to the scene to assist following the crash. State Police were joined by members of the West Carthage Fire Department, Carthage Area Rescue and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation is expected to continue as State Police review the available evidence and circumstances surrounding the fatal collision. Further information may be released as the investigation progresses.