BLOOMING GROVE, N.Y. — New York State Police are investigating a fatal three-vehicle Blooming Grove crash on State Route 17 in the Town of Blooming Grove that left a Pennsylvania man dead and two other people with minor injuries.

The crash happened Saturday, Oct. 3, at about 7:03 p.m., according to a State Police release issued Tuesday.

What investigators say happened

State Police said a 2003 Chevrolet pickup truck was traveling east on Route 17 in the same lane and direction as a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder and a 2015 GMC Sierra.

Investigators said the Nissan and GMC slowed and stopped because of traffic conditions. The Chevrolet did not stop in time and struck the rear of the Nissan, according to the preliminary investigation. The impact pushed the Nissan into the rear of the GMC.

The Chevrolet’s sole occupant was identified by State Police as Sean M. Nelson, 45, of Millrift, Pennsylvania. Nelson was taken to Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, where he was pronounced dead.

The driver and passenger in the Nissan were also taken to Garnet Health Medical Center. State Police described their injuries as minor. The police release did not report injuries to the occupants of the GMC.

Investigation remains open

The Blooming Grove Volunteer Ambulance Corps assisted State Police at the scene. Troopers said the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about what happened to contact the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Haverstraw at (845) 344-5300.

No additional details about the cause of the crash were released. State Police described their findings as preliminary, and authorities have not announced any charges.

This story is based on information released by the New York State Police on Oct. 6, 2026, and will be updated if authorities release significant new information.

Source: New York State Police newsroom.