VERONA, NY. (THECOUNT) — Justin Maxwell, 32, of Durhamville, New York, died Wednesday night after the Harley Davidson Low Rider motorcycle he was riding left the roadway and struck a tree on Smith Road in the Town of Verona, according to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to Smith Road at approximately 10:30 p.m. Aug. 26 following a report of a crash involving injuries.
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According to the Sheriff’s Office, the motorcycle traveled off the shoulder of the roadway before striking a tree. Maxwell was the only person on the motorcycle.
Maxwell was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities had not released additional information regarding the circumstances that caused the motorcycle to leave the roadway.
Justin A. Maxwell, 32 of Durhamville, NY passed away unexpectedly on August 26, 2026, while traversing the back country roads on his Harley Davidson Low Rider. Born in Oneida, NY on September 30, 1993, he was the son of Kraig Maxwell and Tracy Peck (Pritchard). Justin graduated from VVS in 2012 and enlisted in US Navy where he proudly served his country until 2014. He was employed by All-Temp in Remsen, NY as a H-Vac technician, he had a strong work ethic and enjoyed his work crew.
From a young age Justin loved tinkering with anything with wheels and an engine he especially loved the thrill of riding, whether it was at a young age building jumps in the backyard for his bike, trail riding with friends on his four-wheeler, fine tuning his prized toys, or in his older years enjoying the miles as they rolled by on his Low Rider; some of his favorite times were spent on wheels.
Justin had a great sense of humor and always had a smile on his face. His easy-going demeanor and authenticity gained him many friends and he enjoyed any chance to spend time with them. He was always game for a cold beer and a good conversation around a fire at camp, bar or at a friend’s house. Justin would lend a hand to anyone who needed it and never expected anything in return. He enjoyed going out to his favorite local staples and having a good time. He also never met a dog he didn’t like and never missed an opportunity to pet one.
Justin loved his family; he was a proud big brother to his sisters and was always watching out for them; he was also close to his brother, Jason whom he shared a love for Harley’s with. Justin and Jason shared their final ride together on Wednesday evening. Justin was especially close to his mother and stepfather who lovingly raised him and encouraged him throughout life.
Justin is survived by his mother Tracy Peck Pritchard and stepfather Michael Pritchard of Durhamville, NY; his father Kraig Maxwell of Fl; sisters Valerie Maxwell, Karenna Pritchard Michaela, and Haleigh Maxwell; brother Jason Pritchard; grandmother Linda Pritchard; niece Laura Pritchard; several aunts, uncles and cousins; a lifetime of friends. He was predeceased by grandparents Bill and Karen Peck.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday September 2, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College Street, Clinton, NY 13323. A funeral service will be held on Thursday September 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. A burial with Military Honors will follow at the Westmoreland Cemetery.
Smith Road was closed while deputies investigated the fatal crash. The roadway has since reopened.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. No information indicating that another vehicle was involved was provided in the initial report.
Verona is located in Oneida County in central New York, approximately 10 miles east of Utica and about 80 miles west of Albany.
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