Johnathan Heyl Seriously Injured in Clayton, NY Motorcycle Crash on County Route 181

On the evening of July 19, 2025, at approximately 9:45 p.m., New York State Police responded to a severe traffic collision on County Route 181 in the town of Clayton, Jefferson County. The incident involved two motorcycles and a GMC Terrain SUV. Investigators determined that a westbound motorcycle, traveling in the eastbound lane, collided head-on with the SUV. The impact caused the SUV to overturn and catch fire, resulting in the deaths of both motorcycle occupants at the scene.

A second motorcyclist, 52-year-old Johnathan Heyl of Chaumont, NY, encountered debris from the initial crash and was subsequently ejected from his motorcycle. He sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse for treatment. The driver and passenger of the GMC Terrain were treated at the scene and declined further medical assistance.