ALTONA The death of a 34-year-old Hogansburg man who fell from a bridge while strolling along Military Turnpike late on August 31 has been declared accidental by New York State Police.
Police said that Dustin E. Oakes was discovered dead close to the Devils Den Intersection after he veered off the west side of the road and fell over a bridge into the river below.
At around 12:42 p.m. on August 31, State Police were called to Military Turnpike in response to reports of a body in the road’s northside ditch.
About 100 feet from a little bridge that crosses a creek, troopers discovered Oake’s body.
Dr. Michael Sikirica, a forensic pathologist, conducted an autopsy at Glens Falls Hospital on September 1 at 8 a.m.
According to the autopsy, the cause of death was blunt force trauma-induced skull laceration and hemorrhage from a complex fracture of the left femur.
Following the completion of the autopsy and a review of all the evidence gathered at the site, police wrapped up their investigation.
State Police received assistance with the inquiry from nearby fire and rescue agencies.
According to police, the Genienkeh Community assisted with the continuing investigation.
