Abraham Shetler Obituary, Death; – The New York State Police have made an arrest in connection with a fatal crash investigation involving an Amish buggy, nearly a year and a half after the incident took place.
According to State Police, Clark J. Zanker, 34, from Ogdensburg, N.Y., was arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault on July 7.
Troopers responded to the crash on State Highway 812 in the Town of Oswegatchie on December 11, 2023, at approximately 7 a.m. They discovered a 2007 Dodge pickup truck alongside a severely damaged Amish buggy.
Two passengers from the buggy were ejected during the incident. Heuvelton Fire & Rescue provided assistance to the Amish passengers.
An investigation indicated that Zanker did not see the Amish buggy, which was in the same lane as his vehicle. Police reported that he collided with the buggy from behind.
As a result of the crash, the two passengers were ejected from the buggy. Tragically, Abraham Shetler, 21, from Heuvelton, was pronounced dead at the scene. Heuvelton Fire & Rescue made efforts to save him.
Another 21-year-old passenger suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Claxton Hepburn Medical Center before being transferred to SUNY Upstate Medical Center. The police have not disclosed their current condition.
The New York State Police stated that troopers have been investigating Zanker since the crash occurred. The reason for the delay in his arrest has not been made public.
Zanker was arraigned in the Town of Gouverneur Court and subsequently released on his own recognizance.
