Ava, NY – A father and his 17-year-old daughter were killed Thursday morning when their SUV crossed into the opposite lane and collided with a Mack truck on State Route 294 in Oneida County, authorities said.
According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, investigators determined a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan driven by 52-year-old Darrel Gray Jr. of West Leyden was traveling east on Route 294 near Gleasman Road when it entered the westbound lane.
The SUV then struck the front of a 2019 Mack truck driven by 46-year-old Erik Rowland of Woodgate, authorities said. Deputies were initially dispatched to the serious crash at approximately 7 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27.
Gray and his passenger, 17-year-old Eleanor “Nora” Gray, were pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff’s office identified them as father and daughter.
Rowland was airlifted by Mercy Flight to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Authorities said the Volkswagen came to rest on the southern shoulder, while the Mack truck struck a guardrail before stopping along the northern shoulder.
Darrel and Eleanor Gray were both part of the Adirondack Central School District community. The district will have counselors available for students and staff, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigative Unit continues to investigate what caused the SUV to leave its lane. Multiple emergency agencies assisted at the scene.
Additional information may be released as the investigation continues.
