Braeyn Murray Killed in Volney Car Accident
The 17-year-old passenger died when the vehicle he was riding in lost control and struck a tree on Howard Road
Braeyn Murray, 17, of Fulton, was killed in a single-vehicle wreck on Howard Road in the Town of Volney on July 26, according to the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office.
A westbound 2006 Saab 9-3 lost control between County Route 57 and County Route 176 at approximately 2:07 a.m., veered off the road, and crashed into a tree on the south side of the road. Murray was a passenger in the vehicle. Both he and the 19-year-old driver, also from Fulton, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Deputies have not released information regarding what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
The fatal crash adds to a growing toll on local roads. While overall traffic accidents in New York declined 12.5% between 2019 and 2022, how serious crashes has increased, resulting in 1,175 traffic fatalities statewide in 2022.
The tragic loss of a teenager leaves families searching for answers and accountability. In single-vehicle accidents such as this, crash reconstruction investigators look closely at vehicle speed, road conditions, and potential mechanical failures to determine why a driver lost control.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Single vehicle rollover crashes rank among the most devastating collisions seen in serious injury work, since a passenger can be thrown violently sideways as the roof gives way under sudden pressure."
"An attorney typically moves fast to secure the vehicle and preserve physical evidence before repairs or scrapping quietly erase proof," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
How common are fatal crashes in Oswego County?
While specific corridor data for Howard Road is still being analyzed, rural two-lane roads frequently present higher risks for severe accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rural crashes account for a disproportionate number of traffic death nationwide, often due to higher speeds, lack of lighting, and proximity to fixed objects like trees.
What happens next in the investigation?
Investigators will likely examine the vehicle's event data recorder, tire marks, and environmental factors to build a complete picture of the crash mechanics. The Oswego County Sheriff's Office will compile these findings into a final collision report, which provides important answers for the grieving families and the Fulton community.
New York wrongful death statute
Under N.Y. EPTL § 5-4.1, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. New York applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of parental guidance, funeral expenses, and the decedent's conscious pain and suffering.
"Funeral costs and lost household income arrive long before an investigation concludes, adding heavy financial strain to unbearable grief," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "A legal team can pursue available claims while investigators finish work, giving surviving relatives some breathing room during an overwhelming period."