Justin Lemire, Sheila Lemire Obituary, Death – Two people from LaFargeville lost their lives in a motorcycle crash that occurred over the weekend in Jefferson County, New York. State police have identified the victims as 35-year-old Justin Lemire, who was driving the motorcycle, and his passenger, 47-year-old Sheila Lemire.
The fatal accident took place at approximately 9:45 p.m. on Saturday along County Route 181 in the Town of Clayton. According to authorities, Justin Lemire was operating a 2019 Harley-Davidson motorcycle westbound in the eastbound lane when it collided head-on with a 2014 GMC Terrain. The impact was severe enough to eject both Justin and Sheila Lemire from the motorcycle. Police confirmed that both victims died at the scene.
The crash caused the GMC Terrain to roll over and catch fire. The vehicle was being driven by 26-year-old Madison Kahler of Gouverneur. Another individual, 37-year-old Eric June, also from Gouverneur, was in the vehicle as a passenger. Both occupants of the GMC declined medical treatment and did not report serious injuries.
Following the crash, Madison Kahler was evaluated by a drug recognition expert to assess whether impairment may have been a factor. Authorities reported that Kahler showed no signs of drug or alcohol impairment at the time of the incident.
A second motorcycle was also involved in the aftermath of the crash. State police reported that a 2006 Harley-Davidson, driven by 52-year-old Johnathan Heyl of Chaumont, encountered debris from the initial collision as he was traveling westbound on the same route. Heyl was ejected from his motorcycle as a result of hitting the debris and sustained serious injuries. He was airlifted to a hospital in Syracuse for emergency treatment.
The State Police have launched a full investigation into the events surrounding the crash. They are working to piece together the sequence of events and determine any contributing factors beyond those already identified.
This tragic incident has brought attention to the risks faced by motorcyclists on rural roads and the importance of staying in designated lanes. Officials have not released any conclusions regarding what may have caused Justin Lemire to travel in the wrong lane prior to the collision.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the events leading up to it to come forward with any information that could assist them. For now, the community is mourning the loss of the Lemires, while another motorcyclist remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The crash underscores the dangers of nighttime driving on narrow, less-traveled roads and the tragic consequences that can result when vehicles leave their lanes.
