A devastating accident on Saturday evening claimed the life of 51-year-old Julia C. Barrett of Troy, after she was struck by a vehicle along Interstate 90 in Rotterdam.
According to New York State Police, troopers responded to reports of a pedestrian struck in the westbound lanes of the Thruway, just west of Exit 25. Upon arrival, emergency crews found Barrett gravely injured. Despite immediate efforts, she was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary findings indicate that Barrett’s vehicle was parked on the shoulder near the crash site. For reasons still under investigation, she was outside of her vehicle and standing in the active travel lane when the collision occurred.
Authorities confirmed that the driver involved in the incident acted responsibly, stopping immediately and calling 911. The motorist remained on scene and has fully cooperated with investigators. At this time, police say no criminal charges are expected.
Investigators continue to examine why Barrett left her vehicle and entered the roadway, as well as whether weather, visibility, or other contributing factors played a role. Officials emphasized the extreme dangers pedestrians face on high-speed roadways like I-90, urging drivers who encounter roadside emergencies to remain in their vehicles when possible and contact roadside assistance.
Julia Barrett’s untimely passing has left her family and community in mourning, while State Police work to provide answers and closure in the coming weeks. Her death serves as a sobering reminder of the risks present on highways and the importance of exercising caution in emergencies.
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