PATTERSON, Putnam County, N.Y., Oct. 22, 2026 — A 35-year-old Connecticut man died on Tuesday night, October 20, after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Routes 22 and 164 in Patterson, according to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's Office identified the victim Wednesday as Michael Frick of New Fairfield, Connecticut. Sheriff Brian Hess said the intersection has seen repeated crashes over the years. State Police reportedly received several calls about a man walking in and out of traffic on Route 22 roughly 20 minutes before Frick's body was found on the roadside shoulder.
Patterson firefighters, Patterson Community Ambulance crews and an Empress Putnam paramedic responded to a 911 call. A Putnam County coroner pronounced Frick dead at the scene.
The driver remained at the scene and has not been identified. Hess said the driver is cooperating with investigators. The New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is assisting the Putnam County Sheriff's Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Crime Scene Unit as the case remains under investigation.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
More on Crashes in Patterson, NY
This pedestrian crash happened on Route 22 in Patterson, NY. We cover crashes across Putnam County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Putnam County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are most common in pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer broken bones, head and spinal injuries, and internal trauma. Severity generally depends on vehicle speed and the point of impact.
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Driver inattention, impaired or erratic pedestrian movement, poor lighting, and roadway design at intersections are frequent factors in these crashes.
How does vehicle speed affect pedestrian survival?
Lower speeds give drivers more time to react and reduce the force of impact, which improves a pedestrian's chances of survival and lessens injury severity.
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen?
Many pedestrian crashes occur at or near intersections, especially where visibility is limited or foot traffic crosses active travel lanes.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Patterson, NY
Anyone who witnesses a pedestrian struck on a roadway should call 911 immediately and avoid moving the injured person unless there is an immediate danger. If you were involved as a driver, stay at the scene, cooperate with responding officers, and provide a clear account of what you saw. Pedestrians or bystanders should seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some trauma isn't immediately apparent. Obtaining a copy of the police report and documenting the scene, if safely possible, can help clarify what happened during the subsequent investigation.
