Carmel Mourns Cop Killed In Motorcycle Crash

KENT, NY — Gary Pietropaolo, a Carmel police officer, died Thursday afternoon in a motorcycle crash. He was off-duty, riding on Route 301.

Kent police said they received a 911 call about an accident at Ninham Road at about 4:30 p.m. They found a person lying in the road and a Post Office vehicle skewed across it. Investigation revealed that Pietropaolo collided with the postal van driven by Mary Gosney-Hyatt of Holmes, which was pulling out of a driveway, police said. A Kent Ambulance crew responded and took him to Huestis Park, where he was to be airlifted by helicopter; but en route he suffered cardiac arrest. He was pronounced dead at Putnam Hospital Center. Route 301 was closed for several hours. The accident investigation is ongoing, Kent police said.

The 29-year-old Fishkill resident had followed in his father's footsteps to become a cop. The Carmel Police Department released a statement:

"The Carmel Police Department is extremely saddened by the loss of Officer Gary Pietropaolo. Officer Pietropaolo was a talented young man who took great pride in being a Carmel Police Officer. His tenacity for law enforcement was unparalleled and admired by his peers. Gary had been with the Carmel Police Department since March of 2016 and previously worked as a Police Officer with the SUNY New Paltz police department. Gary was well liked and respected by all of his fellow officers and colleagues and will be sorely missed. The entire Town of Carmel extends its deepest sympathies to his family, fiancé and friends and wish them peace as they move through this difficult time."

PHOTO/ Daniel Hubbard