Tragic Motorcycle Accidents Claim Lives in Multiple States

Scene of a motorcycle accident with emergency vehicles present

Madison County, Arkansas; Harvest, Alabama; Lincoln, New York, October 5, 2025

News Summary

A series of motorcycle accidents in Arkansas, Alabama, and New York have resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals, highlighting serious safety concerns in motorcycle riding. In Madison County, a woman from Kansas lost her life when the motorcycle she was riding on tipped over. Meanwhile, a collision in Alabama claimed the life of a local man. In Lincoln, a sheriff’s deputy died after losing control of his motorcycle. These incidents underscore the need for improved motorcycle safety awareness.

Madison County, Arkansas – Fatal Motorcycle Crash Claims Life of Woman from Kansas

A tragic motorcycle accident in Madison County, Arkansas resulted in the death of 35-year-old Amanda Stonebraker from Goff, Kansas. The crash occurred on September 27 at approximately 3:05 p.m. on State Highway 23 in Clifty, Arkansas. The Arkansas State Police identified Stonebraker as the victim in their fatal crash report.

Amanda Stonebraker was a passenger on a motorcycle driven by a 49-year-old man from Eureka Springs. The driver attempted to avoid a slow-moving vehicle, which caused him to veer into a ditch. Upon attempting to return to the roadway, the motorcycle tipped over on its side. While the driver sustained injuries, no additional details about the extent of his injuries were provided. At the time of the crash, the road conditions were reported to be clear and dry.

Harvest, Alabama – Motorcycle Collision Leads to Death of Local Man

In a separate incident, a motorcycle crash in Harvest, Alabama, resulted in the death of 66-year-old Robert S. Murphy from Huntsville. The collision occurred just before 1:00 p.m. on Saturday on Highway 53 near the Jeff Road intersection. Murphy’s motorcycle collided with a pickup truck, and he was rushed to the hospital following the crash but unfortunately did not survive. The condition of the two individuals involved in the pickup truck remains unknown, and Alabama State Troopers are currently investigating the incident.

Lincoln, New York – Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy Dies in Motorcycle Accident

In a third incident, a motorcycle crash in Lincoln, New York, resulted in the death of 58-year-old Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office deputy William Pufky. The crash took place on Sunday at around 3:40 p.m. Deputy Pufky lost control of his motorcycle, going off the right shoulder of the road and into a ditch, where his motorcycle overturned. He was subsequently airlifted to Upstate University Hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Pufky had dedicated 23 years of his career to serving as a custody deputy and had been recognized for his service in various roles, including serving as a public information officer. Beyond his professional life, he enjoyed motorcycle rides, camping, and spending time with his family, according to his obituary. Funeral service calling hours are scheduled for Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., with a service following at 7 p.m.

Background on Motorcycle Safety and Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are a growing concern nationwide, with factors such as road conditions, driver experience, and weather playing significant roles in the occurrence of serious crashes. Statistics show that motorcyclists are at a higher risk compared to other vehicle operators, and safety measures such as wearing helmets and following traffic regulations can significantly reduce the risk of fatal accidents. Law enforcement officials continue to stress the importance of motorcycle safety awareness for both riders and other road users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in Madison County, Arkansas?

A woman from Kansas, Amanda Stonebraker, died after a motorcycle crash on State Highway 23 in Clifty on September 27.

Who was involved in the Arkansas motorcycle accident?

Amanda Stonebraker was a passenger on a motorcycle driven by a 49-year-old man from Eureka Springs.

What were the circumstances of the motorcycle crash in Harvest, Alabama?

Robert S. Murphy’s motorcycle collided with a pickup truck on Highway 53, resulting in his death.

Who was Deputy William Pufky, and what happened to him?

William Pufky was a 58-year-old Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office deputy who died after losing control of his motorcycle and overturning in Lincoln, New York.


Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Vehicle Collision in Huntsville
Vehicle Accident Causes Injuries in Huntsville
Traffic Accident in Huntsville Injures Multiple Individuals
Man Dies in Huntsville Single-Vehicle Crash
Huntsville Police Investigate Fatal Head-On Collision
Tragic Motorcycle Crash in Harvest, Alabama
Tragic Motorcycle Accident Claims Life in Huntsville
Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash in Madison County, Iowa

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER

The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.

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