ESOPUS, NY. (THECOUNT.COM) — Jennifer Burke, 63, of Port Ewen, New York, was killed early Wednesday morning after a two-vehicle head-on crash on State Route 9W in Esopus, according to New York State Police.
Troopers from the New York State Police Highland Barracks responded to the scene at approximately 6:14 a.m. on January 21, 2026, following reports of a serious motor vehicle collision in the area of 1835 State Route 9W. Upon arrival, officers located two heavily damaged vehicles positioned in and near the southbound lanes of the roadway.
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Preliminary investigation determined that Burke was operating a 2009 Smart car traveling northbound on State Route 9W when, for reasons that remain under investigation, the vehicle crossed the center line and entered the southbound lane of travel. The Smart car then struck a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan head-on.
State Police said Burke was ejected from her vehicle as a result of the collision. Emergency responders pronounced her deceased at the scene. No further details regarding seat belt usage or vehicle speed were released as of Wednesday.
The operator of the Volkswagen Tiguan was identified as a 49-year-old man from West Park, New York. He sustained injuries that police described as non-life-threatening and was transported by emergency medical personnel to Vassar Brothers Medical Center for treatment.
State Police have not indicated whether weather conditions, roadway conditions, mechanical failure, or a medical emergency may have contributed to the crash. The cause remains under active investigation.
Investigators closed portions of State Route 9W for several hours while evidence was documented and debris was cleared from the roadway. The area is a well-traveled stretch of highway that connects multiple Ulster County communities along the Hudson River corridor.
Just days prior to the fatal crash, Burke posted on Facebook regarding the recent death of her husband, Gary Burke. Gary Burke was an accomplished drummer and producer who performed with famed artist, Joe Jackson. He also performed with Professor Louie & The Crowmatix, The Band, and Bob Dylan, to name a few.
Officials are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or observed the Smart car or Volkswagen Tiguan prior to the crash to contact the New York State Police Highland Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Investigators can be reached at (845) 344-5300.
This incident remains under review as troopers continue to reconstruct the crash and await the results of any additional investigative findings.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, loss, or emotional distress, help is available by calling or texting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 in the United States, where trained counselors are available 24/7.
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