Collision between tractor trailer rig and motorcycle in Herkimer County results in one fatality

OHIO- The operator of a motorcycle who died in a collision with a tractor trailer rig in Herkimer County has now been identified by investigators.

It happened sometime around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday along State Route 8 in the town of Ohio.

New York State Police handled the investigation and according to their findings, Matthew J. Cole, 21, from Wolcott, NY was heading North on his Yamaha motorcycle.

Somehow, the Cole failed to negotiate a right-hand curve and entered into the path of a southbound tractor trailer rig, driven by James E. Day, 47, of Ontario, Canada.

Right as the collision occurred, the motorcycle went off the road and struck a tree. Cole was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A drug recognition expert determined that Day was not impaired when the accident occurred.

At press time, authorities said an investigation remains ongoing.

***This story has been updated with the official victim identification that was released by the New York State Police***

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