Fatal Head-On Crash Closes Route 42/97 in Deerpark, One Dead

John J. Desomma, 76, of Warwick was pronounced dead Tuesday after a head-on collision on State Routes 42/97 in Sparrow Bush left three people injured and shut down a stretch of roadway in the Town of Deerpark for several hours Monday afternoon.

New York State Police troopers from the Greenville barracks responded to the crash at approximately 1:45 p.m. Monday, March 23. A 2004 Honda traveling northwest crossed into the opposite lane and struck a 2014 Ford head-on, according to state police.

Desomma, a front-seat passenger in the Honda, was extricated from the vehicle alongside the driver, a 76-year-old Warwick woman whose name was not released. Emergency crews administered life-saving measures to Desomma at the scene before transporting him to Bon Secours Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. State police confirmed his death Tuesday afternoon, March 24.

The Honda's driver was taken to Garnet Health Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the 2014 Ford, a 36-year-old Sparrow Bush woman, was also transported to Garnet Health Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Initial emergency dispatch described the scene as a multi-vehicle accident with people trapped. The collision prompted a full road closure between Main Street and the Route 42/97 intersection. The roadway reopened after an extended closure lasting several hours.

The New York State Police investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact State Police in Middletown at 845-344-5300 and reference case number NY2600396602. Troop F Public Information Officer Trooper Jennifer Alvarez is the point of contact for the investigation, overseen by Troop F Commander Major Andre R. Terry.