Fatal Buggy Crash in Oswegatchie Leads to Arrest Nearly Two Years Later

Driver charged after 2023 collision kills one young Amish man, injures another

OSWEGATCHIE, NY — An early morning crash in December 2023 that left one young Amish man dead and another seriously injured has now resulted in criminal charges against the driver involved.

On December 11, 2023, at around 7:04 a.m., New York State Police were called to a tragic scene on State Highway 812 in the town of Oswegatchie. A 2007 Dodge pickup, driven by Clark J. Zanker, 34, of Ogdensburg, had slammed into the back of an Amish buggy, violently ejecting its two passengers.

Emergency crews from Heuvelton Fire and Rescue arrived quickly. They performed life-saving efforts on Abraham Shetler, 21, of Heuvelton, but he tragically died at the scene. Joseph Yoder, 21, of Lisbon, sustained life-threatening injuries and was flown to SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse after first being treated at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center.

What Police Found

According to the investigation, Zanker was traveling south when he failed to see the slow-moving buggy in his lane. The buggy was destroyed in the crash.

State Police launched an extensive investigation that included accident reconstruction and vehicle inspection. On July 7, 2025, after nearly 19 months of review and evidence gathering, troopers arrested Zanker and charged him with:

• Criminally Negligent Homicide (a felony)

• Assault in the 3rd Degree (a misdemeanor)

He was arraigned in Gouverneur Town Court and released on his own recognizance, meaning he was not held in jail while awaiting trial.

A Deeper Look: Amish Buggy Safety in Upstate NY

This tragic crash shines a spotlight on ongoing concerns about road safety for Amish communities across Upstate New York. Horse-drawn buggies are a common sight in St. Lawrence County, especially around Heuvelton, Lisbon, and Oswegatchie. These buggies travel much slower than motor vehicles and often lack the visibility of modern cars.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, buggy crashes are not rare in rural areas, particularly during low-light hours like early morning or dusk. Advocates have called for better signage, increased driver awareness, and even new safety measures for buggies like reflective materials or lighting—without compromising religious beliefs.

What’s Next

The court case against Clark Zanker will move forward in the coming months. Meanwhile, the Amish community mourns the loss of Abraham Shetler and continues to care for Joseph Yoder’s recovery.

Authorities urge all drivers in rural areas to slow down, stay alert, and watch for horse-drawn vehicles, especially in the North Country where Amish families are part of the fabric of everyday life.