MENTZ, NY — The New York State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on Interstate 90 eastbound in the town of Mentz, Cayuga County, at approximately 4:17 a.m. on May 4, 2026.
Preliminary investigation determined that a westbound passenger vehicle crossed the center median into the eastbound lanes, struck a guide rail, and came to rest partially in the right lane on a slight curve in the roadway.
A tractor-trailer traveling eastbound was able to avoid the vehicle, however, a second eastbound tractor-trailer subsequently struck the disabled vehicle and its operator.
The operator of the passenger vehicle has been identified as Robert McFall, 41, of North Carolina.
McFall was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the tractor-trailer, Clifford L. Hurst, 59, of Florida, was not injured.
The Troop E Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Collision Reconstruction Unit and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit responded to the scene.