Fatal UTV crash in Lewis County under State Police investigation

MONTAGUE- A fatal UTV accident this week in Lewis County claimed the life of one North Country area resident.

It happened shortly after 5:00 p.m. Thursday on the Liberty Road.

According to New York State Police Investigators, a pair of UTVs were stopped along the northbound lane. One of them was broke down and the other was there to assist.

This is when a northbound Ram pick-up, driven by Lucas J. Goutermout, 26, of Copenhagen, NY came along. Goutermout reportedly struck one of the UTV’s causing it to spin and overturn.

Right after impact, State Police said Goutermout veered left and struck a third UTV, which was driven by John I. Failing, 80, of Pearl River, NY.

As a result of the first collision, Michael E. Rounds, 61, of Carthage, NY was pronounced deceased by emergency responders.

Meanwhile, both Failing and Goutermout reported no injuries suffered in the incident.

Though an investigation remains ongoing, State Police clarified that Goutermout underwent standard sobriety testing and there were no signs of impairment.

Members from the Sheriff’s Office and Lewis County Search & Rescue assisted.

NYSP image.