A motorcyclist died as a result of a crash on Central Avenue and Campbell earlier today, according to Colonie police.
Around 2:39 p.m., Colonie police were receiving phone calls regarding a crash that occurred between a motorcyclist David L. Cook, 33, of Middlegrove and a vehicle operated by Richard J. Allen, 45, Glenmont. According to Colonie Police Lt. Robert Winn, traffic was heavy
An investigation has not fully been completed, as Winn said there still needs to be a full vehicle investigation done. Police said alcohol and speed have been ruled out as possibilities. Winn said the investigation is leaning more toward operator error.
According to a press release from the Colonie Police Department, the Cook was exiting Spitzies Motorcycle Center on the south side of Central Avenue when he was struck by Allen heading west. He was with another rider, according to Winn, who had turned eastbound. Cook started in the eastbound lane but ended up in the westbound lane when he was hit.
Allen was not injured and there was moderate damage done to the front of his pickup truck.
Cook had just purchased a brand new 2011 Harley Davidson Sportster when pulling out of the shop. Winn said that while the actual bike was new, Cook had a valid motorcycle’s license and had been driving them for years.
Winn said Allen did everything he could to avoid Cook, but still ended up hitting him.
`He saw the motorcycle come, locked his brakes and tried going around him,` he said. `However, the motorcycle continued in his path and he struck him.`
The Cook was transported to Albany Memorial Hospital where he died due to massive trauma to the chest sustained during the crash. Winn said he expects there to be no charges filed against Allen.
If anyone has witness the crash, Colonie is asking for you to contact the Colonie Police Traffic Safety Division at 783-2744“
