Fatal One-Vehicle Crash on State Route 90 in Summerhill, Cayuga County

SUMMERHILL, NY  — The New York State Police at SP Auburn responded to a serious one-vehicle crash on State Route 90 in the town of Summerhill, Cayuga County, at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025.

According to a preliminary investigation, a 2017 Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck, driven by 51-year-old John R. Sanford of Groton, NY, was traveling eastbound on State Route 90 when the vehicle lost control, exited the north side of the roadway, and overturned. Authorities report that Sanford was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was partially ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A passenger in the vehicle, 47-year-old Lawanda H. Eaton of Cortland, NY, sustained no apparent injuries. She was transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where she remains in stable condition.

The New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) responded to the scene and conducted a thorough investigation. The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office and the Locke Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. No further details have been released at this time.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the New York State Police.