TOWN OF WEST TURIN, N.Y. — A devastating three-vehicle crash in Lewis County on Thursday afternoon has claimed the lives of two individuals and three family dogs, leaving a community in mourning and several others injured.
The incident occurred shortly after 4:10 p.m. on July 17, 2025, at the intersection of State Route 12D and State Route 26 in the Town of West Turin. According to New York State Police, the preliminary investigation indicates that a tractor-trailer, driven by 38-year-old Andrew Sommers of Three Mile Bay, was traveling southbound on Route 26 when it collided with a 2011 Honda Pilot heading northbound on Route 12D.
The Honda Pilot, operated by 39-year-old Natasha Spellicy of Taberg, was carrying her two children and family dogs. After the initial collision, both the tractor-trailer and the SUV continued southeast, with the Honda Pilot veering off into a ditch on the northeast side of the road. The tractor-trailer then struck a red SUV, driven by 63-year-old Eric Croniser, which was traveling northbound on Route 26. Both vehicles eventually came to rest off the road.
Tragically, Natasha Spellicy and her 16-year-old son, Tyler Spellicy, were pronounced deceased at the scene, along with their three beloved dogs. 18-year-old Kylie Spellicy, seated in the front passenger seat, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse, where she remains in stable condition.
Eric Croniser and his 46-year-old passenger, Amanda Croniser, were transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica and are reported to be in good condition.
A Drug Recognition Expert evaluation was performed on the tractor-trailer driver, Andrew Sommers, and no signs of impairment were detected. The State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit and the Collision Reconstruction Unit were also on-site, along with an extensive emergency response including Lewis County Search & Rescue, Boonville Fire/EMS, Turin Fire/EMS, Constableville Fire/EMS, NYS DEC, NYS DOT, and the Lewis County Emergency Coordinator.
The Lewis County District Attorney is involved, and the investigation remains ongoing.
This heartbreaking crash has shaken the community of Taberg and beyond, as loved ones and neighbors remember the Spellicy family with deep sorrow. Vigils and support efforts have already begun as many look for ways to help Kylie Spellicy in her recovery and honor the memory of Natasha and Tyler.
Authorities continue to urge caution at intersections and high-traffic areas, emphasizing how quickly tragedy can strike.
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