State Police: Trooper Mattice drifted into path of truck; died instantly
By
EMMA WRIGHT
Story Created:
Jan 21, 2010 at 1:47 PM EST
Story Updated:
Jan 21, 2010 at 7:17 PM EST
UNADILLA, N.Y. (WKTV) - A somber day for New York State Police. They are mourning the loss of one of their own, Jill Mattice. Trooper Mattice was killed in what appears to be nothing more than a tragic accident.
The crash happened just before three o'clock Wednesday afternoon on State Route 23 in the town of Morris. Mattice was coming from Unadilla Valley Central School, where she worked as a school resource officer.
Troop "C" Commander Kevin Molinari says Mattice failed to negotiate a right-hand curve and side-swiped a tractor trailer driven by 33 year old F.M. Saggase of West Oneonta. The truck was carrying a 100-thousand pound portable gravel sifter. Mattice's marked patrol car hit the tractor trailer at least three times before spinning out.
Mattice was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was determined to be multiple blunt traumatic injuries.
Commander Molinari says investigators are still trying to piece together why Mattice crossed into the left lane. They have ruled out speeding and drugs as potential causes. Investigators are checking to whether Mattice might have been texting or talking on a cell phone at the time of the crash.
Commander Molinari says Mattice's death has been very difficult. She was a 6 1/2 year veteran of the state police and spent five of those years as a school resource officer.
Police are still investigating the accident. They believe there are more witnesses to the crash, and those people could help piece the investigation together. If you have any information you are asked to call NYSP at 607-561-7400.
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