Maurice Watkins dies in fatal Syracuse car crash
Fatal Syracuse car crash death of Maurice Watkins
A 47-year-old Syracuse resident, confirmed to be Maurice Watkins, has been identified as the individual who perished in a severe automobile collision on Thursday evening, June 26, 2025, along James Street. The incident occurred shortly before 9 p.m. and involved a two-vehicle impact at the intersection of James and Wilson streets.
Law enforcement officials announced that one person did not survive the accident, and four other individuals were transported to a medical facility in serious condition due to their injuries. According to reports, three people were ejected from one of the vehicles involved, which resulted in the death of Watkins.
Jontisha Bush, who is the niece of the deceased, received notification from authorities that her uncle was no longer alive after she arrived at the accident site around 10:30 p.m. Thursday. She had initially been contacted by a friend and her cousin, who shared a video of the crash scene. Upon magnifying the footage, she recognized the individual on the ground as her uncle.
Upon her arrival, Bush observed the crime scene being secured with tape and her uncle’s body covered. She noted the presence of deployed airbags and shattered debris strewn across the area. The vehicles in question were described as being extensively damaged.
Ms. Bush’s mother, Luwewanda Brown, who is also the sister of Watkins, experienced significant distress upon witnessing the aftermath. She reportedly fainted from the emotional impact of the scene.
Watkins was a passenger in a car driven by Antwan D. Reed Jr., a 20-year-old from Syracuse. Authorities have charged Reed with multiple offenses, including driving while intoxicated and vehicular assault, following the incident.
The family expressed unfamiliarity with the driver, stating they had no prior knowledge of Reed. Additionally, they conveyed that there was no history of interaction between Watkins and Reed.
Tragically, Watkins’ son, Maurice Watkins Jr., a 19-year-old, met a similar fate in a separate automobile accident in Syracuse during March 2016. That earlier incident resulted in the loss of three lives, including his own. Family members confirmed the identity of the deceased son in a statement issued Friday.
A video from the 2016 accident depicted the vehicle’s occupants engaged in lively conversation and laughter in the moments before the crash. Watkins, who resided with Bush on Pond Street, was known to perform odd jobs for a living.
The family shared that Watkins preferred walking and did not own a vehicle. He relied solely on walking for transportation throughout his life and was never observed using public transportation.
Described as a cheerful and energetic person, Watkins enjoyed playing music, particularly through his smartphone connected to a portable speaker. He possessed a distinctive phrase, “Ten toes down,” which he used to express affection or parting sentiments.
He was also consistently seen carrying a bookbag, which was located near his body at the crash scene, as noted by Bush.
Brown confirmed that she had last seen her brother on Wednesday afternoon. They were at a Dollar General store procuring supplies for a graduation celebration. Watkins did not attend the event but contributed by assisting with preparations.
The family described Maurice Watkins as an affable individual who always managed to create a positive atmosphere and bring joy to others. He was well-liked and energetic until the time of his untimely demise.
