(Marcy, NY – Jan. 5, 2013) On Friday, Jan. 4 at 10:25 pm, State Police in Old Forge investigated a fatal snowmobile accident on River Road in the Town of Forestport.
Investigation revealed that 23 year-old, Richard Petty, from 850 Hill Ave. Pine Bush, NY, was operating a 2012 SKI-DOO snowmobile in a group with seven other riders. The group was eastbound on River Road when they came upon a right hand curve. Due to unsafe speed three of the riders, including the victim who was riding solo, failed to negotiate the curve and went off the north shoulder. Petty became airborne upon striking the snow embankment along the shoulder, was ejected and struck a tree sustaining a massive head injury.
Petty was transported by Prospect Ambulance to St. Elizabeth Hospital where he later died.
The investigation is continuing.