Hamilton, October 21, 2025

News Summary

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash involving a Nissan Rogue and a Chevrolet Silverado on Rt. 12 in Hamilton. An 18-year-old driver attempted a left turn, leading to a collision that resulted in the death of a 70-year-old passenger. The incident occurred just before 5 p.m., prompting a closure of the roadway for investigation. Citizens with information are urged to assist the authorities.

Hamilton

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a fatal crash that took place on Rt. 12 in Hamilton. The incident, which resulted in the death of a 70-year-old passenger, occurred just before 5 p.m. on Sunday in the area of Tackabury Road.

According to police reports, an 18-year-old driver named Austin Thurlow from Cheektowaga was operating a 2018 Nissan Rogue when he attempted to make a left turn onto northbound Route 12. As Thurlow executed the turn, his vehicle entered the path of a southbound 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, driven by 34-year-old Julia Dillon from Hamilton. The pickup truck, which was towing a horse trailer, struck the Nissan Rogue, leading to the tragic accident.

Laurie Jones, a 70-year-old passenger in Thurlow’s vehicle from East Amherst, suffered severe injuries as a result of the collision. Authorities reported that she was transported to Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

In response to the accident, State Route 12 was closed between Excell Road and Tackabury Road for several hours to facilitate a thorough reconstruction of the collision. The sheriff’s office is actively investigating the factors that may have contributed to this tragic event.

Witnesses of the crash are encouraged to assist with the investigation by contacting the sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division at (315) 366-2311. This call for information underscores the importance of community support in resolving the details surrounding unfortunate incidents such as this.

Law enforcement agencies involved in responding to the incident included the New York State Police, the Hamilton Police Department, the New York State Department of Transportation, Madison County Emergency Medical Services, and the Hubbardsville Fire Department. The collaboration among these departments highlights the coordinated effort required during emergency situations.

Background Information

Traffic accidents can have devastating consequences, and this crash is a reminder of the dangers present on roads. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office continues to prioritize road safety and aims to prevent similar incidents through investigation and community outreach.

As the investigation unfolds, it will provide insight into the factors leading to this unfortunate event, potentially offering lessons that can help improve road safety measures in the future.

Collaboration Among Agencies

The response to this incident involved multiple agencies working together to ensure proper care and inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Working in unison contributes to a more effective emergency response and reinforces the importance of shared resources in critical situations.

FAQ

What happened in the crash in Hamilton?

The crash involved a car and pickup truck on Rt. 12, resulting in the death of a 70-year-old passenger.

Who were the individuals involved in the Hamilton crash?

The driver of the car was 18-year-old Austin Thurlow. The pickup truck was driven by 34-year-old Julia Dillon. Laurie Jones was the passenger who died in the accident.

When did the Hamilton crash occur?

The crash occurred just before 5 p.m. on Sunday.

What measures were taken following the crash?

State Route 12 was closed for several hours for collision reconstruction, and the sheriff’s office is investigating the factors that may have contributed to the crash.

Who can witnesses of the crash contact for the investigation?

Witnesses are encouraged to call the sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division at (315) 366-2311.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Location	Rt. 12 in Hamilton, between Excell Road and Tackabury Road
Date and Time	Just before 5 p.m. on Sunday
Vehicles Involved	2018 Nissan Rogue and 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Driver of Car	18-year-old Austin Thurlow
Driver of Pickup	34-year-old Julia Dillon
Passenger	70-year-old Laurie Jones
Investigation Authority	Madison County Sheriff’s Office

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic Accident on Route 12 in Hamilton Claims Life
Huntsville to Celebrate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Fatal Crash on Rt. 12 in Hamilton Under Investigation