Late Sunday evening, a routine drive turned tragic on Route 12 in the Town of Hamilton, New York. As daylight waned, a sudden decision to turn proved fatal for one passenger — and left a tight-knit community reeling.
Just before 5 p.m., deputies with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a severe crash near the intersection of Tackabury Road and Route 12. According to their initial account, a vehicle traveling on Tackabury Road attempted to turn onto the northbound lane of Route 12, inadvertently crossing into the path of an oncoming pickup truck.
Authorities later identified the turning vehicle as a 2018 Nissan Rogue, driven by 18-year-old Austin Thurlow of Cheektowaga. As Thurlow initiated the turn, he pulled directly into the path of a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 towing a horse trailer, operated by 34-year-old Julia Dillon of Hamilton. The Silverado struck Thurlow’s car almost head-on, with devastating force.
Inside that Rogue was Laurie Jones, 70, from East Amherst, seated as a passenger. Injured critically in the crash, she was rushed to Hamilton Hospital where she ultimately passed away from her injuries. The identities and medical conditions of Thurlow and Dillon were not immediately disclosed, and investigators say they have not released further details as the inquiry continues.
In the aftermath, State Route 12 was shut down between Excell Road and Tackabury Road for several hours. Authorities used that time to reconstruct the scene, review roadway conditions, and collect evidence from the collision. Deputies are now interviewing witnesses and scrutinizing details to piece together exactly how the crash evolved.
Madison County officials have urged anyone who may have seen the crash or has photos, dash-cam footage, or other relevant information to come forward. The sheriff’s office can be reached at 315-366-2311 for those willing to assist.
Hamilton’s close community has been left shaken. In the quiet aftermath of the crash, neighbors, first responders, and county officials alike are grappling with the weight of loss — and the unanswered question of whether a single moment’s decision could have changed everything.
