Tanker truck accident in Copake kills John and Janet Piwowarski

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 18, 2026
Tanker truck accident in Copake kills John and Janet Piwowarski

COPAKE, NY, (April 16, 2026) — A Hillsdale couple was killed Thursday afternoon following a collision involving a tanker truck and a passenger vehicle in Copake, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said a 2022 Subaru Outback driven by 78-year-old John Piwowarski was traveling on County Route 7 at approximately 3:14 p.m. when it collided with a GRJH, Inc. tanker truck heading eastbound on State Route 23.

John Piwowarski was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, 76-year-old Janet K. Piwowarski, who was a passenger, was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

Incident Location


CRASH INVESTIGATION

Tanker trucks are significantly heavier than passenger vehicles such as cars, SUVs, or pickups, and crashes involving these large vehicles often result in devastating consequences.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 36,640 people died in traffic crashes nationwide in 2025, including 1,011 fatalities in New York.

Candice Bond, an experienced commercial accident attorney, stated that in cases like this, it is essential to conduct an independent investigation quickly to protect victims’ rights.

“Crashes involving commercial vehicles are often complex, with many potential contributing factors,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.

“A qualified attorney can help protect victims from trucking companies, which frequently deploy their own investigators and resources to defend their drivers. An attorney can also hire experts, review driver histories, locate witnesses, and evaluate insurance coverage while guiding victims or their families through the legal process.”


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the investigation, the family of John and Janet Piwowarski may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Families of victims may seek compensation for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following such a tragic incident.

“The emotional toll after losing a loved one in an accident can be overwhelming,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.

“We understand the challenges families face and the importance of protecting their rights. A wrongful death attorney will monitor the investigation and help ensure their legal rights and best interests are preserved.”

“An attorney can also stand up to large insurance companies and their legal teams while carefully reviewing the facts of the case. Legal representation ensures that families receive strong advocacy and that their rights are fully protected.”


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


Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Accident Injury News's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation

(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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