Reginald Russell Identified in Fatal Erie Canal Crash in Brockport, NY – September 3, 2025

On September 3, 2025, Reginald Russell was identified as the deceased passenger in a fatal crash involving a stolen U-Haul vehicle in Brockport, New York. The incident occurred following a high-speed police pursuit that began after the theft of merchandise from a Walgreens. The U-Haul, driven by 43-year-old Ryan Armstrong, crashed into the Erie Canal near Sans Souci Park at the border of Monroe and Orleans counties.

Authorities report that Armstrong, who has a long history of encounters with law enforcement dating back to 2000, fled the scene by swimming across the canal and was later apprehended with the assistance of drones and K9 units. Russell’s body was recovered from the canal early Wednesday morning. Armstrong is currently being held without bail and faces a charge of second-degree manslaughter.