Matthew Hockenbruckner Hurt in Route 31 Motorcycle Crash

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Matthew Hockenbruckner Hurt in Route 31 Motorcycle Crash

MENTZ, NY, (May 10, 2026) – New York State Police are investigating a two-motorcycle crash Sunday afternoon in the Town of Mentz that left one rider seriously injured and another dead.

According to troopers, the collision occurred around 4:15 p.m. at the intersection of Route 31 and Brutus Mentz Townline Road.

Investigators said a northbound 2020 Nissan Pathfinder stopped at the intersection before allegedly pulling into the path of two westbound motorcycles that had the right-of-way.

Both motorcycles collided with the passenger side of the SUV.

Authorities identified one of the injured riders as 36-year-old Matthew Hockenbruckner of Lyons. He was airlifted to Upstate University Hospital with unspecified injuries.

The second motorcyclist was also transported to Upstate University Hospital, where he later died from injuries sustained in the collision.

Police said a passenger in the SUV suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Auburn Community Hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Nissan Pathfinder, identified as a 33-year-old Auburn woman, remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Troopers reported no signs of alcohol or drug impairment.

The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit and Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.


MOTORCYCLE CRASH INVESTIGATION

In 2023, motorcycle fatalities across the United States reached a record 6,335, accounting for 15% of all traffic deaths, according to the NHTSA. With a fatality rate of 31.39 per 100 million miles traveled, transportation safety advocates continue to stress the importance of roadway awareness and driver education.

“Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Even relatively minor collisions can lead to severe injuries, making caution critical for everyone sharing the road.”

Bond, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, noted that independent investigations are often essential in crashes like these to help preserve evidence and protect the rights of victims and their families.

“Blind spots, distracted driving, and inexperienced motorists are frequently contributing factors in these types of crashes,” Bond explained. “Serving as an advocate, an attorney can compassionately assist families during difficult times while helping ensure that motorists who fail to obey traffic laws are held accountable.”


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the investigation, the family of Matthew Hockenbruckner may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek compensation for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic accident.

“The grief and emotional suffering after losing a loved one in a collision can be overwhelming,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.

“We understand the difficult circumstances families are forced to endure after a fatal accident, and protecting their legal rights is extremely important. A wrongful death attorney can remain informed on the official investigation while helping ensure that the family’s legal rights and best interests are protected,” Formica added.


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in motorcycle accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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