MIDDLEBURGH, N.Y. – New York State Police have identified 49-year-old Melissa Guest, of Jefferson, as the victim of a tragic two-vehicle crash that occurred on the afternoon of July 29, in Schoharie County.
The collision happened at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 145 and Schoharie Hill Road. According to investigators, one vehicle was attempting to make a left turn onto Schoharie Hill Road when it was struck by a second vehicle traveling northbound on Route 145. The impact was devastating and resulted in Guest, who was sitting in the front passenger seat of the turning vehicle, suffering fatal injuries.
Emergency responders pronounced Melissa Guest dead at the scene. She was the only fatality in the crash, which also left several others injured. The drivers of both vehicles, along with four additional passengers from the second vehicle, were transported to Albany Medical Center for treatment. Authorities say their injuries are non-life-threatening, but their identities and conditions have not been released.
In the aftermath of the crash, a stretch of Route 145 was closed for more than four hours to allow accident reconstruction teams and investigators to thoroughly document the scene and gather evidence.
The cause of the crash is still under active investigation. At this time, no charges have been filed, and police have not yet confirmed whether speed, distraction, or impairment played any role in the incident. Officials continue to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage in an effort to determine exactly what happened.
The loss of Melissa Guest has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit communities of Jefferson and Middleburgh, where she was known and loved. Friends and family are mourning her sudden and heartbreaking death, remembering her as a kind and valued member of the community.
State Police are asking that anyone with information or who may have witnessed the crash contact them as they work to piece together the final moments leading up to the collision.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and authorities work toward providing answers and accountability in the wake of this tragic loss.
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