Motorcycle crash kills one in Machias

New York state troopers responded to a motorcycle accident on Route 16 in the town of Farmersville on Aug. 25, shortly after 4 p.m. Initial investigation revealed that the motorcycle had been heading northbound on Route 16 when it left the roadway on a curve and struck an embankment, ejecting both the operator and a passenger. Both occupants were airlifted to Erie County Medical Center.The passenger, Janet Lexer, 70, of Delevan, later died of head injuries she sustained in the crash. The operator, Richard Kruse, 73, also of Delevan, is in stable condition, with neck injuries.Uniform and Bureau of Criminal Investigation personnel on the scene were assisted by the Franklinville Police Department, Franklinville ambulance and the New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.