PHELPS, N.Y. — Authorities have identified the driver killed in a tractor-trailer rollover last week on the New York State Thruway in Ontario County as Daniel L. Northrup, 40, of Auburn. The deadly crash occurred during the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 13, 2025, and remains under investigation by New York State Police.
According to investigators, Northrup was driving a tractor-trailer westbound on Interstate 90 near Phelps when, for reasons still unknown, the vehicle veered off the right shoulder of the highway. The truck struck and traveled along the guardrail before overturning onto its side. Emergency responders were called to the scene at approximately 7:40 a.m.
Troopers reported that Northrup, the sole occupant of the rig, was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was later transported to Geneva General Hospital for official processing. Authorities confirmed that the trailer, which was still attached to the truck, was carrying miscellaneous non-hazardous materials and posed no additional safety risk to motorists or nearby residents.
The crash forced temporary traffic delays along the busy Thruway corridor as investigators and tow operators worked for hours to clear the overturned truck and document the scene. Heavy-duty recovery equipment was required to upright and remove the damaged tractor-trailer. By early afternoon, traffic flow was restored in the affected lanes.
The State Police have not yet released details about what may have caused Northrup’s vehicle to leave the roadway. Investigators continue to examine all possibilities, including driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or environmental factors. Officials are urging any motorists who may have witnessed the incident, or who have dashcam footage from I-90 westbound near Phelps between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m., to contact law enforcement with information that could aid the investigation.
News of Northrup’s death has sent shockwaves through his hometown of Auburn, where friends and family are now mourning the sudden and tragic loss. Loved ones describe him as a hardworking and dedicated individual whose life ended far too soon.
State Police emphasized that this remains an active investigation. Additional findings are expected to be released once a full reconstruction of the crash is complete.