ROCHESTER, NY – A peaceful Monday evening ride turned tragic on June 2, 2025, when a 79-year-old motorcyclist died after colliding with a deer on the Lake Ontario State Parkway in Greece.
What Happened
At approximately 5:04 p.m. on Monday, a 79-year-old man was riding his 2003 Honda motorcycle westbound on the Lake Ontario State Parkway in Greece, NY. According to the New York State Police (NYSP), a deer abruptly entered the roadway directly into the motorcycle’s path. The violent collision ejected the rider onto the pavement.
Emergency crews, including the Lakeshore Fire Department and AMR Ambulance, rushed to the scene. The victim was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries. The NYSP investigation into the precise circumstances remains ongoing.
Victim Profile
The victim was identified solely as a 79-year-old male rider at the time of initial reports. Official sources did not release his name publicly, a standard practice to ensure next-of-kin notification and respect the family’s privacy during their grief. While motorcycle enthusiasts span all ages, this incident highlights the particular vulnerability riders face, regardless of experience. The local community mourns the loss, though specific details about the man’s background or family were not available in immediate reports.
Witness Statements & Official Investigation
No public eyewitness accounts of the collision itself were available in the initial aftermath. The NYSP, specifically Troop E – Canandaigua led by Public Information Officer Trooper Lynnea Crane, is handling the investigation. Their preliminary findings confirm the deer strike as the cause, ejecting the rider.
The investigation continues, focusing on finalizing reports and procedures. The NYSP and safety agencies consistently advise motorists to reduce speed in deer zones, use high beams at night (dimming if a deer is spotted), brake firmly if a collision is imminent, and never swerve – as losing control often leads to worse outcomes.
Wildlife & Road Safety
This tragedy occurred in a high-risk area. Monroe County recorded 1,517 animal-related crashes in 2022 – the highest in recent years and second only to Orange County statewide. While deer-vehicle collisions peak in fall (October-December), research specific to motorcycle-deer crashes in Western NY shows a distinct surge in late spring and summer, with June being the peak month – aligning exactly with this incident.
Dusk and dawn are also high-risk times due to increased deer movement. Motorcyclists are exceptionally vulnerable; national data shows their fatality rate is nearly 28 times higher than car occupants in crashes. Studies specifically on deer-motorcycle collisions found unhelmeted riders suffered death or severe injuries over twice as often as helmeted riders.
Vigilance Saves Lives
This heartbreaking incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable dangers that wildlife poses, especially to motorcyclists. While infrastructure solutions like wildlife crossings are being explored in New York, rider and driver vigilance remains the first line of defense.
Heed deer crossing signs, reduce speed in wooded areas, scan the road edges, ride/drive defensively especially at dawn/dusk and during peak seasons (spring/summer for riders, fall for all), and always wear a helmet.
By staying alert and following safety protocols, we can honor this rider’s memory and work towards preventing future tragedies on our roads.
