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Riverhead, NY (April 29, 2026) – A 22-year-old motorcyclist died Tuesday, April 28, after his bike collided with a turning pickup truck on Cross River Drive at Union Avenue in Riverhead. The crash was reported at approximately 7:57 a.m. in the northbound lane of Cross River Drive.
Ismael Santiago Basantez-Ramon, 22, was riding a 2022 CFMoto motorcycle northbound on Cross River Drive when a pickup truck turned left onto the road from Union Avenue. The motorcycle struck the truck, and Basantez-Ramon was taken by ambulance to Peconic Bay Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the pickup truck was also taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center. That driver was treated and released.
The crash is not considered criminal at this time. Authorities continue to investigate, and more details will be released as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Ismael Santiago Basantez-Ramon.
Why Are Left-Turn Crashes So Deadly for Motorcyclists in New York?
Left-turn crashes are one of the leading causes of motorcycle fatalities across New York State. When a driver turns left at an intersection, they must judge the speed and distance of any oncoming vehicle. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars, which makes that judgment more difficult and mistakes more likely.
For motorcyclists, there is little protection when a collision occurs at an intersection. Even at moderate speeds, the impact of striking a turning vehicle can be severe. Early morning hours add another layer of risk — lower traffic volume can cause some drivers to move through intersections more quickly, sometimes without fully accounting for oncoming riders. Intersection design and sight lines also affect how well drivers can spot approaching motorcycles before making a turn.
