Heartbreaking Tragedy Unfolds in Clay: Medical Episode Leads to Fatal Crash

Syracuse, N.Y. — A devastating incident occurred in Clay last month when 72-year-old Michael Paetow collided with another vehicle while driving at a high speed through a red light, resulting in a tragic loss of life.

According to investigators from the New York State Police, it has been determined that Paetow suffered a medical episode prior to the crash.

Investigation Findings

Troopers revealed that an autopsy conducted on Paetow showed he had extensive heart disease, which contributed to the medical emergency that led to the fatal accident. Remarkably, there were no traces of drugs or alcohol found in his system, indicating that his tragic actions were likely unintentional.

Details of the Crash

During the crash, which took place on October 13th at the busy intersection of Route 31 and Route 57 (Oswego Road), Paetow's Ford Mustang collided with a Ford Escape driven by 26-year-old Shaylee A. Allen. The impact was catastrophic.

While Paetow succumbed to injuries from electrical and blunt force trauma, his actions also claimed the life of a passenger in the Ford Escape, 58-year-old Dawn Brown from Mattydale.

Injuries and Recoveries

Allen and her 11-month-old daughter, Roxanne Rizzo, suffered injuries during the crash and were subsequently hospitalized. Fortunately, both are expected to recover from their injuries.

Awareness about Medical Emergencies

This tragic event raises critical awareness about the dangers of medical emergencies while driving, even in seemingly healthy individuals. Paetow's case serves as a stark reminder about the unpredictable nature of health issues and how they can drastically affect lives in an instant.

As our thoughts remain with both families affected, officials stress the importance of regular health check-ups, especially for older drivers, to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.