Colonie, New York – May 2024 The Colonie community continues to mourn the tragic loss of 61-year-old Michael G. Berrien, the motorcyclist who lost his life in a devastating crash on Route 9 near the Boght Veterinary Clinic on April 14. The fatal collision, which occurred just after 4:45 p.m. that Sunday afternoon, has left family members, friends, and local residents grappling with profound grief while raising important questions about road safety, motorcycle awareness, and the specific circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident. As the Colonie Police Department continues its meticulous investigation, new details are emerging about the crash that claimed Berrien’s life, the ongoing examination of contributing factors, and the lasting impact on all those affected by this tragedy.

**The Fateful Afternoon on Route 9**

The chain of events that ended Michael Berrien’s life began during what should have been a routine ride along one of Colonie’s busiest thoroughfares. Route 9, officially known as Troy-Schenectady Road, serves as a major artery connecting several Capital District communities, carrying an average of 25,000 vehicles per day according to New York State Department of Transportation statistics. The stretch near the Boght Veterinary Clinic where the crash occurred features a mix of commercial and residential zoning, with a posted speed limit of 45 mph that drops to 30 mph in certain sections.

Eyewitness accounts obtained by investigators describe a chaotic scene unfolding in the southbound lanes at approximately 4:47 p.m. Berrien, operating his motorcycle (make and model not yet released by authorities), collided with the rear of a passenger vehicle (also unspecified in police reports) under circumstances that remain under active investigation. The force of the impact was severe enough to cause fatal injuries to Berrien despite his wearing of a DOT-approved helmet, which was found damaged but still properly secured at the scene.

Emergency responders from the Colonie Police Department and Colonie EMS arrived within minutes of multiple 911 calls reporting the collision. Paramedics performed life-saving measures at the scene, but the extent of Berrien’s injuries proved insurmountable. He was pronounced dead at 5:12 p.m. by the attending EMS physician, marking Colonie’s third traffic fatality of 2024 and the first involving a motorcycle this year.

**The Victim: Remembering Michael G. Berrien**

Michael Gordon Berrien, born March 15, 1963, in Albany, New York, was a lifelong Capital District resident who had called Colonie home for nearly two decades. Colleagues from his 28-year career at Pioneer Savings Bank, where he most recently served as a commercial loan officer, describe him as a meticulous professional with an unwavering commitment to his clients and community.

“Mike wasn’t just good at his job – he genuinely cared about helping local businesses succeed,” recalled bank manager Susan Takahashi, who worked alongside Berrien for 15 years. “He had this rare combination of financial acumen and personal warmth that made him invaluable to both the bank and the community we serve.”

Outside of work, Berrien was known as an avid motorcycling enthusiast who participated in numerous charity rides benefiting veterans’ organizations and children’s hospitals. His neighbor, Carl Jeffries, shared memories of Berrien’s passion: “That motorcycle was his pride and joy. He wasn’t one of those reckless riders – Mike was all about safety, always checking his gear, always following the rules of the road. That’s what makes this so hard to understand.”

Berrien is survived by his wife of 32 years, Diane, their two adult children, and three grandchildren who were the center of his world according to family friends. A private memorial service was held at the family’s request, with plans for a public celebration of life to be announced later this summer.

The Ongoing Investigation: Piecing Together the Puzzle

The Colonie Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit has dedicated significant resources to reconstructing the exact sequence of events leading to the fatal collision. Lieutenant Daniel Moran, who heads the investigation, explained the painstaking process during a recent community briefing: “Motorcycle crashes present unique investigative challenges. Without the protective structure of a vehicle, the forensic evidence is often more scattered, and the mechanics of the collision differ significantly from car-on-car accidents.”

Investigators are focusing on several critical aspects of the crash:

The speed of both vehicles at the time of impact, with preliminary estimates suggesting Berrien may have been traveling above the posted limit based on skid mark analysis and vehicle damage patterns. However, authorities caution that these are initial findings subject to verification through more sophisticated reconstruction techniques.

The braking actions of both operators, with particular attention to reaction times and available stopping distances given the road conditions that afternoon. The police report notes dry pavement with good visibility at the time of the crash.

Potential distractions or impairments, though toxicology reports have not indicated any substance involvement on Berrien’s part. Testing of the other driver is still pending as part of standard procedure.

The mechanical condition of both vehicles, with Berrien’s motorcycle undergoing thorough examination at the NYSP forensic garage in Albany. Early inspection revealed no apparent pre-crash mechanical failures, but final determination awaits completion of the full mechanical audit.

**Road Safety Concerns in Colonie**

This tragic incident has reignited discussions about traffic safety along Route 9, particularly concerning motorcycle awareness. Data from the Colonie Police Department shows that while motorcycle crashes account for only 3% of all vehicle collisions in the town, they represent nearly 18% of traffic fatalities over the past decade – a disproportionate statistic that mirrors national trends.

Local motorcycle safety instructor Mark Reynolds points to several persistent issues: “Route 9 has these long straightaways that can lull drivers into complacency, followed by sudden slowdowns near shopping areas. Combine that with the smaller profile of motorcycles, and you’ve got a recipe for these rear-end collisions we see too often.”

The Colonie Town Board had already allocated funds for additional “Look Twice – Save a Life” motorcycle awareness signage along Route 9 prior to this crash, with installation now being expedited in response to the tragedy. Town Supervisor Peter Crummey emphasized that “while we can’t undo this heartbreaking loss, we can honor Mr. Berrien’s memory by redoubling our efforts to prevent similar tragedies.”

**The Human Toll: A Community Grieves**

Beyond the statistical analysis and traffic safety discussions lies the profound human impact of Berrien’s sudden death. The waiting room at Pioneer Savings Bank’s main branch has become an impromptu memorial, filled with flowers, notes, and photographs left by clients and community members. A scholarship fund in Berrien’s name has been established at Colonie Central High School, where he frequently volunteered as a mentor for business students.

Perhaps most poignant are the accounts from Berrien’s regular stops along his daily commute – the Dunkin’ Donuts where baristas knew his order by heart, the car wash attendant who recalls his meticulous bike maintenance routines, and the librarians at the Colonie branch who remember his voracious appetite for historical biographies.

As the investigation continues, with final reports expected in the coming weeks, the Colonie Police Department has pledged transparency while asking for patience from the community. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the department’s tip line at (518) 783-2744. For now, a stretch of Route 9 bears silent witness to a life cut tragically short, while a community reflects on the fragility of life and the enduring importance of roadway vigilance.