N.Y. Police Officer Dies after Cruiser Crashes into Tree

A New York police officer died following a single-vehicle crash Monday.

The incident involving an East Fishkill police officer, who was not identified, happened shortly after 6 p.m., the Mid Hudson News reports. The officer was on his way to a hospital as part of an investigation concerning a pedestrian who was struck by a car when his cruiser left the road and struck a tree.

The unconscious officer was discovered by a passing driver, who used the cruiser's radio to contact 9-1-1 dispatchers. Once medics arrived at the scene, the officer was rushed to a Poughkeepsie hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The officer's body was escorted to the medical examiner's office by officers from multiple law enforcement agencies.

The crash is under investigation by the department and the New York State Police.