SAUGERTIES – A 22-year-old
man, who was a passenger in a vehicle driving on Route 32 adjacent to
the Saxton Firehouse, was killed early Tuesday.
Police Chief Joseph Sinagra identified the victim as Jacob Sweeney of
Saugerties.
Preliminary investigation determined that a 2003 Jeep Cherokee operated
by John Playford, 21, of Saugerties, was driving south on Route 32 at
3:25 a.m. when he failed to stay on the road, ran off the west side, struck
a utility pole and a house at 3843 Route 32. The impact caused extensive
damage to the residence.
The vehicle continued to cross a driveway and flipped over coming to rest
on its roof. Sweeny was ejected and killed, Sinagra said.
Playford was treated at the scene by members of Diaz Ambulance and transported
to the Health Alliance Hospital Broadway Campus in Kingston where he was
treated for minor injuries.
Saugerties Police are continuing their investigation with assistance from
the State Police Accident Reconstruction Team, Forensic Investigation
Unit and Ulster County District Attorney’s Office.
Also assisting at the scene were the Saxton Fire Department, Centerville
Cedar Grove Fire Department and Diaz Ambulance.
