Nichols, New York (September 8, 2025) — Two people were killed early Monday morning in a crash involving a tractor-trailer on State Route 17 in Nichols, according to New York State Police.
Incident Details: Troopers from the Owego barracks responded shortly after 4:30 a.m. to the eastbound lanes of State Route 17. Investigators determined that a tractor-trailer rear-ended another vehicle traveling eastbound. The impact killed both occupants of the car: 45-year-old Frank J. Dempaire of Reading, Pennsylvania, and 45-year-old Elize Carlos of Newark, New Jersey. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: State Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the fatal collision. Rear-end impacts involving tractor-trailers often raise questions about driver fatigue, distraction, and adherence to federal trucking regulations. Families of Dempaire and Carlos may pursue wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver and trucking company to recover damages for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.
I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of Frank J. Dempaire and Elize Carlos during this time of grief.
Source: Yahoo News