Two Die in Tompkins County Head-On Crash

New York State Police are investigating a head-on crash in Tompkins County that left two people dead on New Year’s Eve. 

Troopers say a car driven by 19 year old James Crosby of Van Etten was traveling north on State Route 34/95 in the Town of Newfield at around 5 p.m. when he lost control of his Chevrolet Monte Carlo and crossed into the southbound lane, hitting a Jeep Grand Cherokeedriven by 31 year old Samantha Aarnio of Spencer.

Crosby suffered a leg injury while his passenger, 20 year Derek Nichols, was pronounced dead at the scene.

67 year old Kathy Lattimore, who was a passenger in Aarnio’s vehicle died at Cortland Regional Medical Center.

Aarnio and another passenger, 32 year old Eugene Aarnio, were taken to Robert Packer Hospital for treatment.  Eugene suffered a leg injury while Samantha suffered multiple injuries.

The investigation is continuing.

State Police are requesting anyone with information to contact the Ithaca barracks at (607) 347-4440.