Sylvan Beach Fire Department is grieving the loss of one of its assistant chiefs following a fatal crash UTV in Lewis County.

On August 29, 2026, at approximately 8:45 p.m., members of the New York State Police responded to MacKay Road in the town of Turin for a reported UTV crash.

The investigation determined that Ryan C. Voorhies, age 42, of Blossvale, NY, was operating a UTV southbound on MacKay Road when he exited the west shoulder of the roadway and struck a tree. He served as third-assistant chief for the fire department.

Voorhies was pronounced deceased at the scene by responding emergency medical personnel.

The passenger, Michael F. Fatiuk Jr., age 22, of Vernon, NY, sustained serious injuries and was transported by helicopter to Upstate Medical University.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The New York State Police were assisted at the scene by Turin Ambulance and Lewis County Sherriff's Office.