NIAGARA COUNTY, N.Y. (THECOUNT) — Matthew “MJ” Lauer, of Lockport, New York, was killed Wednesday night in a motorcycle crash in Niagara County, located in western New York between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, according to authorities.
Lauer was 21 years old.
According to New York State Police, the fatal two-vehicle collision occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. Wednesday on Fisk Road in the City of Lockport.
Investigators said Lauer was operating a motorcycle eastbound on Fisk Road when he approached a sport utility vehicle traveling westbound. Troopers reported that the SUV was in the process of turning south into a driveway when the collision occurred.
State Police said the motorcycle was traveling at what investigators described as an “extreme rate of speed” prior to the crash. Authorities indicated that speed is believed to have been a contributing factor in the fatal collision.
The impact caused catastrophic injuries to Lauer. Emergency personnel responded to the scene, but he succumbed to his injuries as a result of the crash.
Officials said the driver of the SUV, a 66-year-old individual, sustained minor injuries. Authorities have not publicly released the driver’s identity.
Fisk Road is located in the Lockport area of Niagara County, a region situated east of Niagara Falls and north of Buffalo in western New York. The area includes a mix of residential properties, rural roadways, and commuter routes connecting communities throughout the county.
Motorcycle crashes involving turning vehicles are among the most serious types of traffic collisions due to the limited protection available to riders. Investigators have not announced whether additional factors beyond speed may have contributed to the incident.
The New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to assist with the investigation and is working to determine the complete sequence of events leading up to the crash. Members of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation are also participating in the ongoing probe.
Authorities have not announced whether any charges are anticipated as the investigation remains active. Additional findings could be released once investigators complete their reconstruction analysis and review all available evidence.
The crash remains under investigation by the New York State Police.
MAP: Fisk Road, Lockport, New York
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