Monroe, NY (May 25, 2026) – A head-on crash on Lakes Rd in the town of Monroe left one driver dead and another critically hurt at approximately 7:14 p.m. on Saturday, May 23.
A 2019 Toyota traveling southwest crossed the center line into the opposing lane and struck a 2025 Subaru that was heading northeast head-on.
Daryl Baker, 43, of Monroe, was found dead inside the Subaru. The Toyota’s driver, Robert Molina, 61, also of Monroe, received lifesaving measures at the scene before being taken to a hospital in Middletown in critical condition.
No additional details about the two drivers had been made public as of this report. Still, the case remains under active investigation by state police as troopers continue to piece together the full sequence of events.
We extend our deepest condolences to Daryl Baker’s family and to all those who loved him.
What Typically Happens After a Fatal Head-On Crash on a New York State Road?
Head-on crashes are among the deadliest types of collisions on two-lane roads, largely because both vehicles are moving toward each other at the time of contact. When a fatality is involved, the review process is more detailed and time-consuming than a standard crash report. Investigators typically document the final positions of both vehicles, measure skid marks, examine road markings, and look for any signs of what caused the vehicle to cross the center line.
Witness statements, if available, can help fill in gaps. When one person dies, and another is critically hurt, medical records from both cases frequently become part of the broader review. In New York, state police handle these investigations on roads outside city limits, and findings are typically released once the full picture is established.
