The victims of a tragic motorbike accident that occurred in Orange County have been identified by the authorities.
According to the New York State Police, the collision that occurred on Interstate 84 in the town of Wallkill occurred on Friday at approximately 8:35 a.m., and troopers from the New York State Police Uniform Force and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at SP Middletown rushed to the scene.
According to the findings of the preliminary investigation conducted by the police, the Honda Accord, which was driven by Josanne Pottinger-Smith, who was 53 years old and from Newburgh, was heading west on Interstate 84 when it collided with a Harley Davidson motorbike, which was being driven by Charles Helmka, who was 52 years old and from Dracut, Massachusetts. Helmka was also traveling west.
Both vehicles were forced to abandon the roadway and enter the median that runs along the south shoulder as a result of the incident.
After being transported by emergency medical services to the Garnet Health Medical Center in the Town of Wallkill, Helmka was confirmed deceased upon arrival. The slight injuries that Pottinger-Smith sustained were treated at the Garnet Health Medical Center, where she was also transported.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance to state police officers who were present at the incident.
This study is still being carried out. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information about it is urged to call the Middletown Police Department at 845-344-5300.
