Cortland County Cattle Carrier Crash

Cortland County Sheriff’s officials say sleepy driving appears to have caused a tractor trailer crash early November 13 on Interstate 81 that killed 5 Holstein cows.

Authorities say 26-year-old Eli Hershberger fell asleep driving 40 cows from Sennett, New York on their way to South Carolina at 3:22 a.m. in the Town of Virgil.

The tractor trailer left the southbound Interstate, traveled into the center median and came to rest on its side along an embankment.  Several bovines were injured and five died as a result of their injuries.

Hershberger suffered minor injuries and was evaluated at the scene.

He was ticketed for crossing hazard markings.