Late Monday afternoon in the Hudson Valley, two troopers from the New York State Police (NYSP) found themselves in the path of tragedy while simply doing their jobs. Around 5:25 p.m. on November 17, 2025, the pair were standing outside a pulled-over vehicle on Route 23 in the town of Cairo, New York when their patrol car was struck from behind by another passing vehicle. Both officers, from the Catskill barracks, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
The driver of the third vehicle was sadly identified as 69-year-old Sharon L. Torres of Cairo. She was pronounced dead at the scene, the NYSP confirmed, although officials have not yet released details on exactly how the collision occurred.
According to official statements, the troopers were conducting a routine traffic stop when the unexpected crash upended the evening. Their patrol car — parked behind the vehicle they had stopped — was struck by the third vehicle while they were outside their own vehicle. The force of the impact knocked one of the troopers to the ground. Although shaken, both are expected to recover fully.
Local law-enforcement sources closed the westbound lanes of Route 23 between Ross Ruland Road and Silver Spur Road while the scene was processed and investigators from the NYSP’s Major Accident Investigation Team examined the wreckage.
The incident resurrects reminders of the “Move-Over” law introduced by New York in January 2012, which requires motorists to slow and move over for emergency vehicles and first-responders stopped on the side of the road. Authorities say the law’s intent is precisely to prevent crashes like this one.
For the family and community of Ms. Torres, the news came as a heavy blow. She was known locally; tributes and condolences have already started circulating in the town of Cairo. Meanwhile, the troopers are receiving support from the NYSP and the community as they continue to recover.
Officials emphasize the crash remains under active investigation. While no charges or citations have yet been announced, investigators are seeking to determine whether speed, distraction, road conditions or other factors played a role. More updates are expected once forensic analysis and vehicle-data downloads are complete.
