Westmoreland, NY – A serious crash in Oneida County left a motorcyclist critically injured late Tuesday morning, prompting a multi-agency emergency response along State Route 233.
According to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched shortly before 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, to a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle in the Town of Westmoreland.
Investigators say a Rome woman, identified as Jazmin Ayala, 45, was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze southbound on Route 233 when she attempted to make a left turn into a business driveway. At the same time, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle operated by Christopher Cefalia, 65, of Rome, was traveling northbound.
Authorities report that Ayala allegedly turned into the path of the motorcycle, causing Cefalia to strike the driver’s side door of the vehicle. The impact ejected Cefalia from the motorcycle, resulting in severe injuries.
Cefalia was airlifted to SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital with significant leg and head and abdomen injuries. Officials say he is currently listed in critical but stable condition and was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Ayala was transported by ambulance to a local hospital as a precaution. A passenger in her vehicle, identified as Shashena Bear, 44, of Taberg, was not injured.
The incident remains under investigation. Multiple agencies responded, including Westmoreland Fire Department, Central Oneida County Ambulance, Mercy Flight, NYS Department of Transportation, and local towing services.
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