Peter Leist Obituary, Cyclist from New Jersey killed on Carmel’s Route 301; Authorities have identified the man killed in a motorcycle crash with a bus last Friday afternoon as Peter Leist, a 62-year-old resident of Denville, New Jersey.
Putnam County Undersheriff Thomas Lindert provided details of the incident, which occurred at approximately 3444 Route 301 in Carmel, near a group home. Leist’s motorcycle rounded a curve and collided with a small bus, leading to his fatal injuries.
The crash, which happened about a half-mile west of the Gipsy Trail Road intersection, prompted multiple 911 calls. Emergency responders, including personnel from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Carmel and Kent Police, Carmel and Kent Fire Departments, Carmel Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Empress Paramedics, and the Putnam Bureau of Emergency Services, rushed to the scene. Despite their swift efforts, Leist was pronounced dead at the scene.
Putnam County authorities requested assistance from the New York State Police and an accident reconstruction team to investigate the tragic crash.
According to Undersheriff Lindert, the investigation revealed that Leist was traveling westbound on Route 301, west of Gipsy Trail Road. He had been passing several vehicles by crossing over double yellow lines when he slammed into the bus, which was traveling in the opposite direction. The bus was operated by Lauren Hoffman of Carmel.
This tragic incident underscores the importance of adhering to traffic laws and maintaining vigilance on the roads to prevent such devastating accidents. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to gather all pertinent details surrounding the crash.
Community members have expressed their condolences to Leist’s family, mourning the loss of a resident known for his passion for riding. As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward to assist in the comprehensive analysis of the events leading up to the collision.
