29 January 2023

NEW YORK STATE POLICE 
Major Eugene J. Staniszewski
Troop A Commander

PRESS RELEASE

UPDATED

On January 28, 2023, at approximately 6:00 P.M., Troopers out SP Jamestown responded to I-86, west bound lane between exits 12 and 13 in the town of Ellicott for a vehicle collision. Investigation determined that a 2009 Toyota Camry, operated by Mathew A. Berry, 30 of Randolph, NY was traveling east bound (wrong way) in the west bound lane on the I-86 without head lights.  An approaching 2019 Ram 1500 was traveling west bound and struck the Camry head on. The Ram was struck from behind by a 2020 Freightliner that was traveling west bound.

Berry was pronounced deceased at the scene. Both occupants of the Ram had serious injuries. The operator, Todd A. Town, 57 and passenger, Sandra L. Town, 54 both of Jamestown, NY were taken to area hospitals. Todd Town succumbed to his injuries at USMC Chautauqua and Sandra Town is in serious condition at UPMC Hamot, Erie, PA. The operator of the Freightliner had no injuries.

Investigation determined that Berry suffers from mental illness and was reported missing to Chautauqua County 911 on the evening of January 28, 2023.

NYSP Collision Reconstruction, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation are assisting in this investigation.

This is still an ongoing investigation.