Single-Vehicle Accident Claims Life of West Lyden Woman

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AVA, NY – November 17, 2024 – Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene of a serious motor vehicle accident near 11928 Route 26 in the Town of Ava around 5 a.m. Sunday morning.

According to initial reports, a vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a tree, and crashed into a ditch. Upon arrival, first responders found 73-year-old Betty Backer trapped inside the vehicle and unresponsive. Law enforcement confirmed that the victim had no pulse, prompting CPR efforts at the scene.

Efforts to launch LifeNet and Mercy Flight helicopters were hindered due to heavy fog, forcing responders to transport Backer by ground ambulance to Rome Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.

Route 26 South was closed between Osceola Road and West Ava Road as the New York State Police and the Oneida County Sheriff's Office investigated the crash.