New York State Police investigate fatal UTV crash

On August 6, 2026, at approximately 5:06 p.m., the New York State Police responded to a fatal motor vehicle crash on Liberty Road in the town of Montague, Lewis County.

The investigation determined that two UTVs were stopped northbound on Liberty Road due to one 2023 Yamaha being disabled due to a broken belt.

The operator of the second UTV, a 2024 Polaris, turned around and attempted to assist with towing the disabled UTV. While doing so, the 2024 Polaris was struck by a northbound 2023 Ram pickup truck operated by Lucas J. Goutermout, 26, of Copenhagen, NY. The impact caused the UTV to spin and overturn.

The operator of the 2024 Polaris, Michael E. Rounds, 61, of Carthage, NY, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Following the collision, the operator of the pickup truck attempted to veer left into the southbound lane and struck a third UTV, a 2017 Polaris, operated by John I. Failing, 80, of Pearl River, NY.

Failing and Goutermout reported no injuries and remained at the scene.

A Drug Recognition Expert conducted standardized field sobriety testing on Goutermout, and no signs of impairment were observed.

The investigation remains ongoing.

New York State Police were assisted at the scene by Lewis County Search and Rescue and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.