A Watertown man was killed in a crash on Interstate 81 near Cortland over the weekend, according to New York State Police.
Motorcycle veered off I-81
Troopers said that a motorcycle was southbound on I-81, when the operator drove off the road and struck a guide rail near Exit 52 (Cortland) around 10:25 a.m. on Saturday, June 13.
The motorcyclist, Christopher D. Messerlie, 26, of Watertown, Jefferson County, was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers said.
Highway closure
The southbound lanes of I-81 were closed for several hours following the crash. Traffic was diverted off the highway but created a traffic jam that slowed traffic for nearly two miles, according to State Police.
What’s next
Troopers are investigating the fatal crash.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Man killed in I-81 motorcycle crash identified
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
