On 07/18/12, at 8:05 AM, the New York State Police in Monroe investigated a one-car fatal accident on St-17 eastbound in the town of Chester. The vehicle, a 2011 VPG (Vehicle Production Group) mini van, owned by NYSARC of Sullivan County, ran off the shoulder of the roadway, traveled down an embankment and struck several trees. Chester and Goshen Fire/EMS Units responded to the scene to aid and extricate the victims.

The driver, Kenneth Crockett, 25, of Monticello NY was pronounced deceased at the scene. The occupants of the vehicle, a NYSARC aid and a wheelchair bound client, who had been seated in the rear of the vehicle, suffered injury and were transported to ORMC and Westchester Medical Center, respectively, for evaluation. The east bound lanes of travel of ST-17 was restricted to use and periodically closed until 11:25 AM