James M. Kowalczik dies in fatal Herkimer car crash

James M. Kowalczik dies in fatal Herkimer car crash
Fatal Herkimer car crash death of James M. Kowalczik

James M. Kowalczik, 43, of Herkimer, New York, lost his life in a single-vehicle collision on Wednesday afternoon in the village of Herkimer, according to New York State Police.

Authorities say the crash occurred around 3:27 p.m. on June 18, when Kowalczik was driving a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee eastbound on West German Street. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the north shoulder of the road and slammed into a tree.

Kowalczik was the sole occupant in the vehicle at the time. Emergency responders transported him by ambulance to Wynn Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Investigators with the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation are actively working to determine what caused the crash. No further information has been released, and updates are expected as the inquiry progresses.