Officials say Matthews’ Suzuki was trapped between two vehicles after leaving County Route 1, and he died a day later of his injuries
October 02, 2025 | Warwick, NY
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A fatal multi-vehicle accident in the Pine Island neighborhood of Warwick, New York, claimed the life of 19-year-old Zachary Matthews, a resident of Sussex, New Jersey. The crash unfolded on October 2, 2025, around 8:07 a.m. at the crossroads of County Route 1 and Missionland Road, entangling a 2012 Suzuki sedan operated by Matthews, a 2020 Ford Explorer, and a 2017 Chevrolet Express.
What Happened in the Warwick Crash?
Matthews was injured in the collision at County Route 1 and Missionland Road early Thursday and later succumbed to injuries at the hospital after being airlifted.
This Thursday morning incident led to Matthews being trapped in his vehicle, requiring emergency extrication before he was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center. Sadly, he passed away from his injuries the next day on October 3. The drivers of the other two vehicles received treatment at a hospital for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Key Details
- Date: October 2, 2025
- Time: Approximately 8:07 a.m.
- Victim: Zachary Matthews, 19, of Sussex, New Jersey
- Victim's Vehicle: 2012 Suzuki sedan
- Other Vehicles: 2020 Ford Explorer and 2017 Chevrolet Express
- Location: Intersection of County Route 1 and Missionland Road, Pine Island section of Warwick, NY
- Investigation: Handled by the Town of Warwick Police Department, in collaboration with local and state police
Who Was Involved in the Crash?
The collision involved three drivers at a typically busy intersection. While Matthews drove the Suzuki sedan, the operators of the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Express escaped with injuries that did not pose immediate danger to their lives, allowing for hospital care without further complications.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Authorities are probing potential elements such as weather, sightlines, and adherence to traffic rules. Such intersection mishaps frequently stem from disregarding signals or signs, often tied to hurried actions or lapses in attention.
Common Causes of Intersection Crashes
Cause |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Running Stop Signs or Lights |
Disregarding signals due to haste or oversight |
Federal Highway Administration |
Reckless Driving |
High-speed or bold actions in traffic zones |
Federal Highway Administration |
Distracted Driving |
Mobile devices or other diversions causing misses |
Federal Highway Administration |
Traffic Fatality Statistics
Year |
U.S. Fatalities |
New York Fatalities |
|---|
2023 |
40,901 |
1,114 |
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that roughly 40% of vehicle collisions take place at intersections.
Expert Insights
Insights from seasoned legal professionals shed light on the broader implications of vehicle collisions.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined in cases such as this,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
“It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire expert witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide families through the process.”
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” said Bond, an experienced auto accident attorney.
- Key Takeaway: Identifying precise causes through expert analysis is essential for fair resolutions.
- Key Takeaway: Legal representation provides access to specialized tools and support for navigating claims.
- Key Takeaway: Reconstruction efforts clarify sequences, aiding in accountability and recovery.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal.
“We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
“An attorney can protect victims from large insurance companies and their team of lawyers while diligently examining the facts of the accident. An attorney will vigorously advocate for a family who has lost a loved one, ensuring that their legal rights are protected.”
- Key Takeaway: Professional guidance alleviates emotional burdens during investigations.
- Key Takeaway: Safeguarding against insurer strategies ensures comprehensive protection.
- Key Takeaway: Diligent advocacy upholds justice for those impacted by tragedy.
How Can Families Pursue Justice After a Crash?
When a motor vehicle accident results in wrongful death, affected relatives may file claims seeking remuneration for burial expenses, companionship loss, anguish, and psychological impact. Retaining an adept lawyer enables a multifaceted probe and strong representation to secure deserved outcomes.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).