10/15/2026
* UPDATE*
Serious Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Collision – State Route 12
On Thursday morning, October 15, 2026, the New Hartford Police Department responded to a serious personal injury motor vehicle collision involving two vehicles on State Route 12 near the entrance to Sherrill Brook Park.
The preliminary investigation determined that a 2024 Jeep operated by Brooke Fanelli, 28, of Utica, was traveling southbound on State Route 12 when a vehicle operated by Natalie Smith, 22, of Whitesboro, was traveling northbound on Rt 12 and attempted to make a left-hand turn into Sherrill Brook Park, resulting in a collision.
Following the impact, Fanelli’s vehicle overturned multiple times. Fanelli sustained multiple serious injuries and was transported by medical helicopter from the scene to a Syracuse-area hospital for further treatment. Smith sustained minor injuries.
As a result of the initial investigation, Smith has been issued traffic tickets for failing to yield the right of way, and making an improper turn.
ORIGINAL RELEASE:
* Thursday Morning October 15th, 2026.*
Traffic Alert- Avoid State Rt 12
Please avoid State Rt 12 between Genesee St and Paris Rd. at this time.
New Hartford Police and Fire Departments are on the scene of a two vehicle Serious Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Collision where one vehicle has rolled over. The collision is under investigation by The New Hartford Police Department, we expect the road to be opened by 9:00am.
More details will be released later today.