On July 31, 2026, at approximately 7:40 p.m., New York State Police at Oneonta responded to a crash involving a motorcycle on County Highway 48 in the town of Oneonta.
An investigation determined that a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, operated by a 74-year-old Otego man, was traveling west on County Highway 48 when a deer entered the roadway.
The operator of the Chevrolet Equinox was unable to avoid the deer and struck it. The deer propelled into the eastbound lane and struck a KTM motorcycle and the operator. The motorcyclist lost control of the motorcycle and crashed.
The operator of the Chevrolet Equinox and a passerby were provided CPR instructions by an Otsego County 911 dispatcher and began lifesaving efforts until a New York State Trooper arrived and continued those efforts. Oneonta Fire and EMS arrived on scene and continued lifesaving measures.
Despite those efforts, the motorcyclist who was later identified as Nathaniel T. Walker, 25, of Oneonta, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing; however, there are no indications of foul play or impairment.