Privacy update — September 18, 2026: Identifying details have been removed under our victim privacy policy.
What Happened
A 19-year-old from Smithtown, Suffolk County, and a 72-year-old from New York City were both killed on Route 28 in the town of Olive, Ulster County, after a head-on collision, according to Daily Voice and News 12 Long Island. The crash was reported August 24, 2026.
The younger driver was operating a 2024 Chevrolet westbound on Route 28 when, for a reason still undetermined, the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane. It struck a 2021 Mercedes-Benz driven by the older driver head-on, New York State Police said. The younger driver was the only occupant of the Chevrolet.
Both drivers had to be extricated from their vehicles at the scene. First responders performed lifesaving measures on the younger driver before transporting him to HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston, where he later died from his injuries. The older driver also received lifesaving treatment at the scene, was taken first to HealthAlliance Hospital, then transferred to MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, where he later died.
The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, Olive First Aid Ambulance, and Olive Fire Department assisted New York State Police at the scene, police said.
Location & Road Context
Route 28 runs through the Catskill Mountains in Ulster County, connecting the Hudson Valley to the western Catskills through towns including Kingston, Woodstock, and Olive. The road is a two-lane highway through much of the Olive segment, with no physical barrier separating opposing traffic. Smithtown is on the North Shore of Suffolk County on Long Island.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
New York State Police said as of August 25, 2026, investigators have not yet determined why the Chevrolet crossed into the eastbound lane. No charges have been filed. The investigation remains open, according to News 12 Long Island. State Police are the lead agency.