Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Sangerfield, NY, on State Route 20, November 04, 2026

Evan Downen, a 20-year-old Oriskany Falls resident, died Wednesday evening, November 4, 2026, after a motorcycle crash earlier in the day on State Route 20 in the town of Sangerfield in Oneida County, according to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies were called to the scene at the intersection of State Route 20 and Madison Street at approximately 1:10 p.m. Responding officers found the motorcycle rider seriously injured in the collision involving a car.

According to the sheriff's investigation, Kenneth Northrop, 68, of Waterville, had been heading south on Madison Street. He stopped at Route 20 before attempting to drive across the highway onto Newberry Road.

Downen was riding west on State Route 20 at the same time. His motorcycle struck Northrop's car as Northrop attempted the crossing, and Downen was thrown from the motorcycle, authorities said.

Downen suffered life-threatening injuries and received treatment from first responders at the crash scene. He was then airlifted by Mercy Flight to SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. It was not known whether Northrop sustained any injuries in the collision.

The fire departments from Oriskany Falls and Waterville assisted deputies at the scene. Other responding agencies included the Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Mercy Flight and the New York State Department of Transportation.

The sheriff's office said its investigation remained ongoing. Authorities also said no further information about the crash would be released to the public.