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UPDATE: State Police Investigate Motorcycle Crash on I-81 in LaFayette NY

UPDATE:


On July 26, 2025, Austin E. Leonard, age 28, of LaFayette, NY, has succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.

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LaFayette, NY – The New York State Police are investigating a serious motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and two tractor-trailers that occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at approximately 7:38 a.m. on Interstate 81 northbound.

 

The preliminary investigation revealed that Sean M. Ayers, age 42, of Dundee, NY, was operating a 2001 Peterbilt tractor-trailer in the driving lane when he experienced a tire blowout. Ayers began to decelerate while attempting to locate a safe area to pull off the roadway. 

At the same time, Barbara L. Armstrong, age 66, of Creston, IA, was driving a 2024 Peterbilt tractor-trailer in the passing lane and was in the process of overtaking Ayers’ vehicle. 

As the two tractor-trailers occupied both lanes, a 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by Austin E. Leonard, age 28, of LaFayette, NY, approached from behind and attempted to pass between the two trucks. 

After passing the trucks, Leonard lost control of the motorcycle, struck the guide rail along the west shoulder, and was ejected. He was transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where he remains in critical condition. 

The crash remains under investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available.


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