TURIN, NY (Lewis County) – A Sussex County man is dead following a UTV crash in upstate New York.
The two-vehicle crash happened on Sept. 1m at 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 12 and Milk House Road in the Town of Turin, New York State Police said.
According to state police, a 2017 Polaris Ranger 1000 UTV, operated by William J. Timko Jr., 62, from Wantage Township and a member of the Wantage Fire Police, was traveling eastbound on Milk House Road when he failed to acknowledge a yield sign at the intersection with State Route 12 and was struck by a 2018 Ford F-150 pick-up truck, operated by Elmin Hodzic, 29 from Utica, NY who was traveling southbound on State Route 12.
Timko was pronounced dead at Lewis County General Hospital as a result of his injuries. A passenger in his vehicle, Gina Liakakos, 53, of Wantage Township, was transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica with non-life-threatening injuries, state police said.
Hodzic was treated for minor injuries and was evaluated at the scene by a Drug Recognition Expert and was negative for any signs of impairment. A passenger in the vehicle, Elizabeth Pagano, 20 from Utica, NY, was not injured in the crash, state police said.
The investigation is continuing.
“The officers and members regret to announce the passing of Wantage Fire Police member William “Bill” Timko Jr, who was tragically killed in an accident last night. Bill joined the Fire Police earlier this year and was present at many of our scenes, ensuring our safety. Rest In Peace, Bill, and thank you for your dedication and service to the residents of Wantage Township,” the Colesville Fire Company said in a Facebook post.
