State Police investigate a fatal collision in town of Lewis

Press release

On September 18, 2024, at approximately 3:24 p.m., State Police members responded to the intersection of State Route 9 and County Route 12 in the town of Lewis for a serious two-car personal injury accident.

A preliminary investigation determined a 2019 white Dodge Caravan, operated by Trevor J. Ratliff, age 32, of Elizabethtown, NY, was traveling north on State Route 9, attempting to make a left-hand turn on County Route 12 (Wells Hill Road), when a 2021 black Ford F250, operated by Michael L. Mussen, age 42, of Lewis, NY, was traveling south on State Route 9. Ratliff failed to yield the right of way while turning left onto County Route 12 , causing Mussen to strike Ratliff's vehicle.

Paramedics, fire and Rescue departments, and members of the Essex County Sheriff's arrived on the scene and started medically evaluating the drivers and passengers of the vehicles. Mussen was transported to Elizabethtown Community Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Ratliff was transported to Elizabethtown Community Hospital for life-threatening injuries. Passenger in the Ford F250 was identified as Peter J. Sheehan, age 30, of Lewis, NY, was transported to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Passenger in the Dodge Caravan identified as Lance D. Smith, age 57, of Lewis, NY, was declared deceased on scene.

This is an ongoing investigation.