On August 18, 2023, at approximately 7:24 p.m., State Police responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a tractor-trailer on NYS Thruway I-90 in the town of Farmington. The crash occurred at mile marker 344.5 eastbound, between Exit 44 (Canandaigua) and Exit 43 (Manchester).
A preliminary investigation determined that the 46-year-old male was reported to have mental health issues to Ontario County 911 and was operating a 2014 Audi S4.
The 2024 Freightliner tractor-trailer was operated by John R. Lapolla, age 59, of Florida. While driving eastbound, Lapolla reported observing a vehicle with its hazard lights on parked on the side of the roadway but was unable to move over due to traffic occupying the passing lane. Without warning, the 46-year-old male jumped into the lane of travel, causing Lapolla to apply his brakes; however, he could not avoid striking the male. Lapolla was uninjured as a result of the accident. The Ontario County Coroner pronounced the 46-year-old male deceased at the scene.
Troopers were assisted at the scene by Victor Farmington Ambulance, Farmington Fire Department, Troop T CVEU (Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit), Troop E Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and CRU (Collision Reconstruction Unit). Impairment is not a factor; however, per federal regulations for truck drivers, a mandatory drug test was conducted on Lapolla at a local hospital.
This remains an active investigation.
