CORTLAND, N.Y. — A motorcycle crash on I-81 claimed the life of a 26-year-old man on June 13, according to the New York State Police.
The rider, identified as Christopher D. Messerlie from Watertown, N.Y., was involved in the incident around 10:23 a.m. near Exit 52.
Authorities said Messerlie was traveling southbound when he struck a guide rail. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The collision prompted the closure of both lanes on I-81, causing traffic delays of approximately 2 miles.
Emergency response units included the City of Cortland Police, the Cortland Fire Department, Fire Police, the Cortland County Sheriff’s Department, and TLC Ambulance, who assisted at the scene.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.