ALBANY, NY (September 24, 2025) — Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered flags on all state government buildings to be flown at half-staff on Thursday, September 25, from sunrise to sunset, in honor of New York State Police Sergeant Nigel K. Barnett, who died in a motorcycle crash on September 16.
Sergeant Barnett, 49, of Poughkeepsie, NY, was killed in a single-vehicle accident on the Taconic State Parkway in East Fishkill. The crash occurred around 6:31 a.m. near mile marker 36.1 southbound, according to New York State Police. A preliminary investigation found that Barnett, riding a 2025 Ducati motorcycle, lost control, was ejected, and struck a guardrail on the western shoulder. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Sergeant Nigel K. Barnett, Station Commander of New York State Police Troop K,” Hochul said. “A 19-year veteran, Sergeant Barnett committed his career to keeping others safe and serving his community with unwavering dedication. Today, I join Sergeant Barnett’s family and colleagues in honoring his life, leadership, and legacy.”
Barnett, a 19-year veteran of the New York State Police, served as Station Commander at State Police Cortlandt, Troop K, which provides law enforcement services across Westchester, including state roads like the Taconic State Parkway, Interstate 684, and Interstate 95 through communities such as Rye, Port Chester, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Pelham, and Mount Vernon.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Sergeant/Station Commander Nigel Barnett, who was killed in a motorcycle crash this morning while traveling to work,” the New York State Police said in a statement. “Sergeant Barnett was a 19-year veteran of the New York State Police, serving with dedication and distinction throughout his career. His commitment to public safety, his leadership, and his steady presence will be deeply missed by the members of our Division and the communities he served.”
The state police extended condolences to Barnett’s family, friends, and colleagues, urging the public to keep them in their thoughts.
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