A 24-year-old Binghamton woman was killed after her vehicle lost control on a wet stretch of Interstate 81 in Tully, according to New York State Police.
The I-81 Tully crash claimed the life of Paige M. O’Donnell, 24, of Binghamton on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. State Police said O’Donnell was driving north in the passing lane when she lost control of her 2023 Subaru on the wet roadway. The vehicle struck a guiderail, moved back into the travel lanes and collided at a right angle with a tractor-trailer.
State Police identify victim in fatal I-81 Tully crash
Troopers responded to Interstate 81 in the town of Tully at about 10:48 a.m. for a reported personal-injury crash. In an update released Sept. 3, State Police identified O’Donnell as the driver who died.
Police said O’Donnell was pronounced dead at the scene. The tractor-trailer driver, Christopher A. Tomlinson, 54, of Stony Point, was not injured.
The 2009 Peterbilt tractor-trailer is owned by CW Bulk Transportation, according to State Police.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police said the crash is believed to have been weather-related at this stage of the investigation. No additional cause has been announced.
What investigators say happened
According to the State Police account, the Subaru was traveling northbound in the passing lane before the driver lost control on the wet pavement. The vehicle then struck a guiderail and re-entered the travel lanes, where it collided with the northbound tractor-trailer in the driving lane.
Tully Fire and EMS assisted troopers at the scene.
State Police have not announced any charges in connection with the crash. Their statement also did not provide further details about the specific weather conditions beyond describing the roadway as wet and saying the crash appeared to be weather-related.
Readers should be careful not to draw conclusions beyond the information investigators have released. The State Police investigation is still active, and the agency could provide additional findings later.
Wet roads can sharply reduce vehicle control
The circumstances described by investigators are also a reminder of the added risks drivers face on rain-soaked highways. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises motorists to use extra caution in rain because slick pavement can make a vehicle harder to control or stop.
NHTSA’s guidance is simple: Drive Slowly
and increase following distance when roads are wet. The agency also notes that different vehicles handle differently in wet conditions.
That safety guidance does not establish the cause of this crash. Only investigators can determine what factors contributed to a specific collision. But it offers useful context for motorists traveling on Interstate 81 and other high-speed roads during rain.
Basic wet-weather driving reminders
- Reduce speed. Wet pavement can reduce traction and increase stopping distance.
- Leave more room. A larger following distance gives drivers more time to react.
- Check tires and wipers. Good tire tread and clear visibility are especially important in rain.
- Avoid abrupt movements. Sudden braking or steering can make it harder to maintain control on slick pavement.
- Watch changing conditions. Rain intensity and standing water can change quickly along a highway corridor.
The National Weather Service also warns motorists that water on roadways can create hydroplaning risks and urges drivers to slow down when roads are wet.
Investigation remains ongoing
State Police had first reported the crash on Sept. 2 without releasing the victim’s name. The agency updated the report on Sept. 3 to identify O’Donnell.
For families and communities, fatal crashes are more than traffic statistics. They are sudden losses that can affect relatives, friends and coworkers long after a roadway reopens. The Utica Phoenix extends condolences to O’Donnell’s family and loved ones.
Anyone following this case should rely on official updates as investigators continue their work. The Utica Phoenix will update this report if New York State Police release significant new information about the I-81 Tully crash.
