Ryan Hines Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the young man who lost his life in a motorcycle crash Thursday evening near the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes. The accident shut down part of Interstate 690 eastbound for hours as police investigated the fatal collision.
State Police confirmed that the victim was 21-year-old Ryan Hines of Baldwinsville. According to Sgt. Jack Keller, a spokesperson for the State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 5:57 p.m. when Hines was traveling east on I-690 riding a Suzuki motorcycle. At the same time, a Ford F-250 pickup truck moved from the driving lane into the passing lane.
Investigators say the motorcycle collided with the rear of the Ford pickup shortly after the lane change. The impact was severe, and emergency responders pronounced Hines dead at the scene. Despite immediate response efforts, there was nothing medics could do to save him.
The driver of the pickup truck was identified as 36-year-old Christopher Riese of Syracuse. Riese was not injured in the collision. As part of standard procedure, he was given a sobriety test at the scene. Troopers reported that there were no signs of impairment, and alcohol or drugs are not believed to have played a role in the crash.
At this time, no tickets or citations have been issued against the driver of the pickup. Investigators are continuing to piece together the circumstances that led to the fatal accident. Sgt. Keller stated that preliminary findings suggest speeding by Hines may have been a contributing factor, although the investigation remains ongoing.
Following the collision, authorities closed I-690 eastbound near the fairgrounds for several hours while troopers documented the scene and cleared the wreckage. The closure created significant delays for drivers in the area, particularly given the timing near evening traffic. The highway was reopened just before 9 p.m., according to Onondaga County 911 dispatches.
The accident has drawn attention because of its proximity to the New York State Fairgrounds, an area that sees heavy traffic during the fair season. Officials noted that while the investigation is still in progress, the incident serves as a tragic reminder of the risks motorcyclists face on busy highways, especially when speed is involved. Motorcycles, due to their smaller size and lack of protective barriers, leave riders more vulnerable in collisions with larger vehicles such as trucks.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward with information. Witness accounts could help clarify exactly how the collision unfolded and whether additional factors played a role. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police at (315) 366-6000.
As the investigation continues, the family of Ryan Hines is left mourning the sudden and devastating loss of a young life. At just 21 years old, his death adds another somber statistic to motorcycle fatalities in the state, underscoring the importance of safety and caution on the roads.