Motor Vehicle Accident Results in Two Fatalities

Mar 16, 2012

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2012, a one car motor vehicle accident was reported to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department. The crash occurred on State Route 37 at the St. Regis River Bridge, in Akwesasne (Hogansburg) NY.

It was reported that the operator was traveling westbound on State Route 37 in a 2006 Ford sedan, when the vehicle crossed over the center line over the east bound lane, exited the roadway striking the south east bridge guard rail and entered the St. Regis River.

At approximately 4:45 p.m., rescue teams extricated two victims from the vehicle. Jacob Light, 23, of Akwesasne, NY was transported to Alice Hyde Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. Sheyanne Smoke, 23, of Akwesasne, NY, was transported to Massena Memorial Hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.

The investigation is ongoing. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe extends our sympathies to the families and also express our gratitude for the mutual assistance provided by the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Services, U.S. Border Patrol, Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department, Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance, Bombay Fire Department, Fort Covington Fire Department, Franklin County Technical Rescue Team, Massena Rescue, Massena Dive Team, Helena Fire Department, Northern Ambulance, Franklin County 911, Jacob’s Towing, Smith’s Towing and Jocks Towing.

For more information contact the Public Information Office at 518-358-2272.