Branden J. Paradise Killed in Mentz Motorcycle Accident
The 35-year-old Lyons resident died after his motorcycle collided with an SUV that failed to yield on State Route 31
Branden J. Paradise, 35, of Lyons, was killed in a motorcycle crash on State Route 31 near Brutus-Mentz Townline Road in Mentz on Sunday, according to New York State Police.
The crash occurred shortly after 4 p.m. when a northbound 2020 Nissan Pathfinder stopped on Centerport Road before entering the intersection. Investigators said the SUV’s driver failed to see two westbound motorcycles with the right of way, causing both bikes to strike the vehicle’s passenger side.
Paramedics airlifted both riders to Upstate University Hospital with serious injuries. Paradise later died.
The second rider, a 36-year-old man, remained hospitalized Monday. An 18-year-old passenger in the Nissan was taken to Auburn Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The SUV driver remained at the scene. Authorities said there was no indication of impairment. The investigation continues.
The sudden loss of Paradise has left the Lyons community grieving, as friends and family grapple with the aftermath of the fatal collision. In motorcycle accidents such as this, the vulnerability of riders often leads to devastating outcomes even at lower speeds.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, said, "Catastrophic motorcycle crashes highlight the vulnerability of riders against larger vehicles, especially when drivers fail to yield or misjudge distances."
"An attorney can preserve critical evidence, coordinate expert testimony, and manage insurance negotiations to protect families enduring profound emotional consequences," Bond added.
According to the ITSMR Motorcycle Crashes Fact Sheet, there were 189 motorcyclist deaths in New York State in 2024, representing 17% of the 1,090 total traffic fatalities statewide.
How will investigators determine fault on State Route 31?
As State Police reconstruct the sequence of events at the corner of Centerport Road, they will examine sightlines, vehicle speeds, and right-of-way laws. "Families benefit when evidence is preserved and insurance complications are managed during the aftermath of serious motorcycle crashes," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.
What happens next for the Lyons community?
While the community rallies to support the affected families, the legal process will focus on establishing liability based on the SUV driver's failure to yield. Investigators will continue to review physical evidence from the road to finalize their crash reconstruction report.
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.