New York State Police are investigating a deadly crash in Steuben County involving an electric bike and a pickup truck

Steuben County, New York – A tragic collision in the town of Erwin has claimed the life of a young man after his electric motorbike was struck by a pickup truck towing a trailer. The accident occurred late Saturday morning and is now the subject of an active investigation by New York State Police.

Authorities say the crash happened on April 19, 2025, at approximately 11:24 a.m. Troopers from the State Police station in Painted Post were dispatched to the scene on Victory Highway after receiving a report of a serious accident involving two vehicles.

According to early findings from the police investigation, the incident took place when a 19-year-old man riding an electric motorbike entered Victory Highway from a nearby residence in Painted Post. As he entered the roadway, he reportedly failed to yield the right of way to an oncoming 2019 Dodge pickup truck that was traveling eastbound with a trailer in tow.

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The truck was being driven by 31-year-old Christopher E. Tyler, also of Painted Post. Police say that after the E-Bike entered the road, it collided with the front of Tyler’s vehicle and the attached trailer.

The impact of the crash was severe. The young motorbike rider suffered critical injuries and was quickly transported by helicopter to Guthrie Corning Hospital. Despite emergency efforts, he was later pronounced dead.

Tyler, the driver of the pickup, was not hurt in the incident and remained at the scene while authorities responded.

“The preliminary investigation revealed that the operator of an electric motorbike, a 19-year-old male, entered the roadway from an address on Victory Highway, Painted Post, NY, and failed to yield the right of way to a 2019 Dodge pickup truck hauling a trailer, operated by Christopher E. Tyler, age 31, of Painted Post, NY, which was traveling eastbound on Victory Highway.”

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Police have not yet released the name of the 19-year-old pending notification of family. It remains unclear whether speed, distraction, or any other contributing factors played a role in the crash.

“The investigation remains ongoing.”

State Police continue to review the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash, and no charges have been filed at this time. Officers are expected to examine additional evidence, including witness statements and any available surveillance footage from the area.

This incident has sent a wave of shock through the Painted Post community, where both the victim and the driver are local residents. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging all motorists and riders to remain alert and use caution, especially at roadway intersections and driveways where visibility may be limited.