Ricky L. DeShane of Brasher Falls failed to stop at a rural intersection Friday night, setting off a chain of tragedy that left a Chateaugay family shattered
A Friday night collision at a St. Lawrence County intersection has claimed the life of a 53-year-old woman and left three teenagers hospitalized in critical condition, according to a press release issued Sunday by the New York State Police.
The crash occurred on May 29, 2026, at approximately 9:19 p.m. at the intersection of County Route 55 and U.S. Route 11 in the town of Lawrence.
Ricky L. DeShane, 55, of Brasher Falls, was driving a gray 2017 Chevrolet Traverse northbound on County Route 55 when he failed to stop at the intersection and drove into the path of oncoming traffic on U.S. Route 11.
His vehicle struck the front passenger side of a gray 2016 Honda CR-V that was traveling eastbound on Route 11. The force of the impact sent all five occupants of the Honda to the hospital with serious injuries.
A Family Torn Apart in Seconds
The Honda CR-V was driven by Jesse P. Kaska, 49, of Chateaugay. Seated beside him in the front passenger seat was Tammy L. Brunette-Kaska, 53, also of Chateaugay.
Three young passengers rode in the back: a 17-year-old male from Chateaugay, a 16-year-old female from Chateaugay, and a 14-year-old male from Brushton.
All five were rushed to Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Kaska was admitted and remains in stable condition.
The three juvenile passengers were later transferred to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where they are currently listed in stable but critical condition. Tammy L. Brunette-Kaska did not survive. She was pronounced dead at the hospital after succumbing to her injuries.
DeShane was transported to Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone. State Police described his injuries as non-life-threatening.
No charges have been announced at this time. The State Police press release confirmed only that the investigation remains ongoing. Troopers from Troop B, headquartered in Ray Brook, are handling the case under the direction of Major Peter C. Arcadi. Trooper Brandi M. Ashley serves as the public information officer for the troop.
The intersection of County Route 55 and U.S. Route 11 sits in a largely rural stretch of St. Lawrence County, where traffic patterns at uncontrolled crossroads can catch drivers off guard, particularly after dark. Friday evening conditions at the time of the crash have not been detailed in official reports.
The names of the three juvenile passengers have not been released, as is standard practice when minors are involved. Their families have not made public statements.
Authorities have not indicated whether speed, impairment, or distraction played any role in the crash. Those details, if determined, would likely emerge as the investigation progresses and troopers complete their review of physical evidence from the scene.
Anyone with information relevant to the crash is encouraged to contact Troop B at [email protected] or by fax at (518) 891-5587.
