Matthew Mardon Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of the man who was killed in a serious crash Tuesday evening on Everett Road near the Interstate 90 exit ramp. The victim, who later succumbed to his injuries, was found unresponsive in his vehicle when emergency responders arrived at the scene.
Police confirmed that the man, identified as Mardon, was discovered shortly before 6 p.m. Emergency personnel immediately began treating him at the site of the collision before transporting him to Albany Medical Center Hospital. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical staff, Mardon was pronounced dead later that evening.
Investigators believe the fatal crash happened as Mardon attempted to pull onto Everett Road from the I-90 exit ramp. At that moment, another vehicle traveling north on Everett Road struck him with force. That car was being driven by 29-year-old Matthew Merriman of Rotterdam, who police say was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.
According to officers at the scene, Merriman exhibited clear signs of impairment after the crash. He was taken into custody and later charged with multiple serious offenses, including second-degree vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, and reckless criminal mischief. Additional traffic violations were also filed against him.
Following his arrest, Merriman was arraigned in city court and ordered held at the Albany County jail, where he remained in custody as of Thursday morning. Police say the investigation into the crash remains ongoing, but preliminary evidence strongly suggests alcohol played a central role in the deadly collision.
The crash site, located near a busy interchange with Interstate 90, brought significant traffic delays Tuesday evening as police closed sections of Everett Road to conduct their investigation. Crews worked to document the scene, gather evidence, and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the deadly outcome.
For the victim’s family, the tragedy has been devastating. Mardon’s sudden death highlights the continuing dangers posed by impaired driving, an issue that law enforcement officials across New York have repeatedly warned about. Police emphasized that incidents like this are preventable, urging drivers to make safer choices and avoid getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
Vehicular manslaughter in the second degree, one of the charges Merriman faces, is a felony offense under New York law. If convicted, it carries the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence. Drunken driving and reckless criminal mischief charges further compound the potential consequences Merriman will face in court.
Local residents who frequently travel through Everett Road and the I-90 exit expressed shock at the news of the fatal crash, noting that the area is often busy during the evening commute. Some described the intersection as particularly hazardous, and Tuesday’s collision has renewed conversations about road safety and the dangers of intoxicated driving.
Law enforcement officials used the incident to remind the public that impaired driving is not only illegal but also a deadly risk to both the driver and others on the road. They stressed that alternatives such as rideshare services, designated drivers, or public transportation can save lives.
As the legal process moves forward, Merriman is expected to face additional hearings. Authorities say they are continuing to gather evidence, including toxicology reports and crash data, to present a full case. For now, Merriman remains held without bail in the Albany County jail.
The Everett Road crash stands as another sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be lost due to impaired driving. While police continue their investigation, the community mourns the death of Mardon, whose life ended suddenly in a collision that might have been avoided had safer choices been made.