James R. McLean dies in fatal Canton motorcycle crash

James R. McLean dies in fatal Canton motorcycle crash

Fatal Canton motorcycle crash death of James R. McLean – Obituary

James R. McLean, a 41-year-old man from Rensselaer Falls, died Tuesday night following a head-on collision between his motorcycle and a pickup truck on Stiles Road in the Town of Canton, New York.

New York State Police reported that the crash occurred around 10 p.m. as McLean was riding north and attempted to pass another vehicle near a hillcrest. At the same time, a Dodge Dakota pickup was traveling south and crested the hill, colliding directly with McLean’s motorcycle.

The impact threw McLean from his bike, leaving him with critical injuries. The driver of the pickup, 44-year-old Herbert Planty of Canton, and a passenger initially checked on McLean but Planty then fled into nearby woods, according to troopers.

McLean was rushed to Canton-Potsdam Hospital but later died from his injuries. In response, authorities set up a secure perimeter and deployed a Collision Reconstruction Unit and K9 team. The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department also used a drone to search for Planty.

New York State Police are now seeking the public’s help in locating Planty for questioning. Anyone with information is urged to call 315-379-0012.