Fatal Montague UTV Crash Kills 61-Year-Old Carthage Man
State Police say a pickup struck a UTV that had turned to help tow a disabled vehicle on Liberty Road.
A Montague UTV crash killed a 61-year-old Carthage man Thursday after his utility terrain vehicle was struck by a pickup truck on Liberty Road in Lewis County, according to New York State Police. Investigators said the collision happened while the UTV operator was trying to assist another UTV that had broken down.
Michael E. Rounds, 61, of Carthage, was pronounced dead at the scene following the Aug. 6 crash. Police said two other drivers involved reported no injuries.
The investigation remained ongoing Friday.
What Happened in the Montague UTV Crash?
New York State Police said troopers were called to Liberty Road in the town of Montague at approximately 5:06 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6.
Investigators determined that two UTVs had stopped while traveling north on Liberty Road because a 2023 Yamaha had become disabled by a broken belt.
According to police, the operator of a second UTV, a 2024 Polaris, turned the vehicle around in an effort to help tow the disabled Yamaha.
That Polaris was operated by Rounds.
While the UTV was being repositioned, police said it was struck by a northbound 2023 Ram pickup truck driven by Lucas J. Goutermout, 26, of Copenhagen.
The impact caused the Polaris UTV to spin and overturn.
Rounds was pronounced dead at the scene.
Pickup Then Struck a Third UTV
The crash did not end with the initial impact.
State Police said that after striking Rounds’ UTV, the pickup driver attempted to move left into the southbound lane.
The pickup then struck a third UTV, a 2017 Polaris operated by John I. Failing, 80, of Pearl River.
Police said both Failing and Goutermout reported no injuries and remained at the scene.
The sequence described by investigators involved:
- A 2023 Yamaha UTV becoming disabled because of a broken belt.
- A 2024 Polaris turning around to help tow it.
- A northbound pickup striking the 2024 Polaris.
- The Polaris spinning and overturning.
- The pickup moving toward the southbound lane and striking a third UTV.
Police have not announced charges in connection with the crash.
Police Say No Signs of Driver Impairment Were Observed
A Drug Recognition Expert conducted standardized field sobriety testing on Goutermout following the collision, according to State Police.
Police reported that “no signs of impairment were observed.”
That finding is significant, but it does not determine the final cause of the crash.
State Police said the investigation remains active. The agency has not publicly concluded what factors led to the pickup striking the UTV or whether speed, visibility, road conditions or another factor played a role.
Until investigators release those findings, conclusions about responsibility would be premature.
Emergency Crews Respond to Liberty Road
New York State Police were assisted at the scene by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office and Lewis County Search and Rescue.
The State Police release identified the crash as a fatal motor vehicle collision.
Montague is in Lewis County, part of New York’s North Country, where ATVs and UTVs are commonly used for recreation and access to trail systems.
The circumstances of Thursday’s crash also highlight the risks that can arise when off-road vehicles and conventional motor vehicles occupy the same roadway.
What New York Says About ATV Road Safety
New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles says all-terrain vehicles are primarily designed for off-highway use. State rules generally prohibit ATV operation on highways unless a roadway has been specifically designated and posted for ATV use by state or local authorities.
DMV advises riders entering an authorized highway to do so carefully, yield to traffic and use headlights and taillights. The agency also recommends bright or reflective clothing when riding on a roadway.
New York DMV guidance also tells motorists to use caution when encountering ATVs and other slower-moving vehicles.
Among DMV’s safety guidance:
- Wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet.
- Keep required braking and safety equipment in working condition.
- Use headlights and taillights to improve visibility.
- Avoid excessive speed for the conditions.
- Do not operate while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Yield to regular roadway traffic when crossing a highway.
- Confirm that a road is legally designated for ATV use before riding on it.
These are general statewide safety rules and recommendations. State Police have not alleged in their Montague investigation that any of these requirements were violated.
Investigation Remains Open
As of the State Police announcement Friday, investigators had not released additional details about the events immediately before the collision.
No citations or criminal charges were announced in the agency’s initial report.
The investigation could include examination of the vehicles, roadway evidence, witness statements and other information before police make a final determination.
Anyone relying on early reports should distinguish between what investigators have established and what remains unknown.
What has been confirmed
State Police have confirmed that:
- The crash happened at approximately 5:06 p.m. Aug. 6 on Liberty Road in Montague.
- A Yamaha UTV had become disabled because of a broken belt.
- Rounds turned his Polaris UTV around to help with towing.
- A northbound Ram pickup struck Rounds’ UTV.
- The UTV overturned.
- Rounds died at the scene.
- The pickup subsequently struck another Polaris UTV.
- The other two identified drivers reported no injuries.
- Field sobriety testing showed no observed signs of impairment.
- The investigation remains ongoing.
A Fatal Reminder About Sharing Rural Roads
The death of Michael Rounds is a tragic outcome from what began as an effort to help another rider with a disabled vehicle.
It is also a reminder that rural roads can bring together pickup trucks, passenger cars, farm equipment, motorcycles and off-road vehicles with very different sizes, handling characteristics and visibility.
Drivers and riders alike can reduce risks by remaining alert, slowing when approaching stopped or slow-moving vehicles and giving others as much space as conditions safely allow.
For now, the most important unanswered question is what caused Thursday’s collision. New York State Police continue to investigate, and any determination of fault should await those findings.
Utica Phoenix will update this story if State Police release significant new information.
Sources
- New York State Police, Aug. 7, 2026 — fatal UTV crash investigation in Montague.
- New York State Department of Motor Vehicles — ATV operation and safety guidance.
