Indian Lake, NY (Oct. 3, 2026) – Kathleen M. Henzler, 64, of Fishkill died at the scene of a head-on crash on State Route 28N in the town of Indian Lake, New York State Police said. Emergency crews tried to revive her.
Troopers responded at about 6:41 p.m. on October 3 to a two-vehicle collision on State Route 28N.
A 2011 yellow Ferrari 458 Italia driven by Eric Zuccarelli of Lambertville, New Jersey, was traveling north on State Route 28N when it crossed over the center line, according to State Police. The Ferrari then struck a 2011 blue Hyundai head-on. The Hyundai was operated by David W. Henzler, 64, of Fishkill, and Kathleen Henzler was a passenger in that vehicle.
Medical personnel from Long Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Indian Lake and Raquette Lake responded to the scene.
Zuccarelli, David Henzler, and Ferrari passenger Jin H. Song, 53, also of Lambertville, were taken to Glens Falls Hospital, State Police said. Zuccarelli and David Henzler were later transferred to Albany Medical Center for additional care. All three are in stable condition.
Police have not said why the Ferrari went into the other lane.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.
What Families Can Do After a Fatal Head-On Crash in New York
The New York DMV and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee reported 681 motor vehicle fatalities statewide between January and October 2025, with Upstate New York accounting for 420. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that frontal impacts caused 60 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2023.
New York also runs a short clock on medical coverage. Written notice to your own no-fault insurer is generally due within 30 days, which would be November 2 for a crash on October 3.
- Request the State Police crash report and the investigating trooper’s contact information.
- Ask in writing that both vehicles be held rather than repaired or salvaged, since a head-on reconstruction depends on them.
- File the no-fault application now so medical bills are covered while everything else is sorted out.
- Route insurance calls to one person, and decline recorded statements until you have had advice.
- Order several certified copies of the death certificate.
Questions Families Ask After a Fatal Head-On Crash in New York
Who may be responsible?
Responsibility usually follows the vehicle that left its lane. A claim can also reach the vehicle’s owner, an employer if the driver was working, or a repair shop if a mechanical failure contributed.
What claims does a family have when a passenger is killed?
Two. A wrongful death claim covers what the family lost, including support and funeral costs. A survival claim, brought by the estate, covers what the person suffered before death.
Can the injured survivors also bring claims?
Yes, and separately. A passenger’s claim does not depend on which driver was at fault. New York applies a modified comparative fault rule to motor vehicle claims under CPLR § 1411(b), effective May 26, 2026, barring recovery only when a claimant’s own fault equals or exceeds the defendants’ combined fault.
How long is there to file?
Wrongful death is generally due two years from the date of death, or October 3, 2028. Personal injury claims generally run three years under CPLR § 214, or October 3, 2029. An out-of-state driver does not change either date.
How Stanley Law Helps After a Fatal Car Crash in Upstate New York
Stanley Law Offices takes the claim side off your plate: the crash report, the no-fault filing, the preservation letters that keep both vehicles from being scrapped, and the calls from the other insurer.
Our car accident lawyer serving Upstate New York handles claims across the Adirondacks, the Mohawk Valley, and Central New York, including crashes involving an out-of-state driver and insurer. We investigate, value the loss, negotiate, and try the case if the offer does not reflect it.
Joe Stanley is Board Certified in Civil Trial Practice by the American Board of Trial Advocacy. The firm has recovered a $3.7 million wrongful death settlement for a New York family. Consultations are free, and we can meet virtually.
Hamilton County and Hudson Valley families deciding who should handle a fatal head-on crash claim usually want the record first. Here is Stanley Law’s:
- Serving Upstate New York families for 45+ years
- Joe Stanley, Board Certified in Civil Trial Practice by the American Board of Trial Advocacy
- Super Lawyers recognition for 18+ consecutive years
- 4.7-star rating across 900+ verified reviews
- Offices in Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, Watertown, Oneonta, and Montrose, PA
- Available 24/7
- No recovery, no fee
Our Oneonta office at 166 N Main Street is the closest to Indian Lake. Call 888-997-3889, come by when you are ready, or send us the details through our contact form and we will get back to you.
