Syracuse man arrested for criminally negligent homicide following fatal crash in Salina

On October 28, 2026, New York State Police arrested Dadiri S. Abdi, age 21, of Syracuse, NY, for Criminally Negligent Homicide, a class E felony, following an investigation into a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred on September 3, 2026, in the town of Salina.

On September 3, 2026, at approximately 1:25 p.m., State Police responded to the intersection of Oswego Road and Liverpool Bypass Road for a reported two-vehicle personal injury crash.

A preliminary investigation determined that a 2015 Lexus, operated by Gary S. Zimmer, age 85, of Syracuse, was traveling southbound on Oswego Road and attempting to turn left onto Liverpool Bypass Road when it collided with a northbound 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe operated by Abdi.

The initial investigation determined that Zimmer failed to yield the right of way while making the left turn and was not wearing his seat belt. However, a subsequent investigation conducted by the New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit determined that excessive speed by the Hyundai was the primary contributing factor in the crash.

Data recovered from the Hyundai indicated that the vehicle was traveling approximately 67 mph prior to the collision in a posted 30 mph speed zone. Further analysis determined that the collision could have been avoided had the Hyundai not been speeding while approaching the intersection.

Zimmer and his passenger, Patricia Zimmer, age 84, of Syracuse, were transported to Upstate University Hospital with serious injuries. On September 9, 2026, Zimmer succumbed to his injuries. Abdi was transported to Upstate Community Hospital for evaluation and treatment following the crash.

As a result of the investigation, Abdi was charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide, a class E felony, and related traffic infractions. Abdi was released on an Appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Salina Court on November 12, 2026. 

State Police were assisted at the scene by the Moyers Corners Fire Department and American Medical Response of CNY.