Nissan Pathfinder pulled into path of motorcycles near Brutus Mentz Townline Road
May 10, 2026 | Mentz, NY
What happened in the Route 31 crash?
New York State Police responded Sunday afternoon to a crash at the intersection of Route 31 and Brutus Mentz Townline Road.
Branden Paradise, 35, of Lyons, died after a motorcycle crash involving a Nissan Pathfinder at Route 31 and Brutus Mentz Townline Road in Mentz.
- A northbound 2020 Nissan Pathfinder stopped at the intersection around 4:15 p.m. before pulling into the path of two westbound motorcycles.
- Both motorcycles struck the passenger side of the SUV.
- One rider, 35-year-old Branden Paradise of Lyons, was airlifted to Upstate University Hospital and later died from his injuries.
- The second motorcyclist was also airlifted to Upstate University Hospital with unspecified injuries.
- A passenger in the SUV was taken to Auburn Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
- The 33-year-old Auburn woman driving the SUV stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. No alcohol or drug involvement is suspected.
The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit and BCI processed the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Why do motorcycle crashes like this occur?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle fatalities reached 6,335 in 2023, accounting for 15 percent of all traffic deaths—the highest total since 1975.
| Statistic | Value | Source |
|---|
| U.S. motorcycle fatalities (2023) | 6,335 | NHTSA |
| Percentage of all traffic deaths | 15% | NHTSA |
| Fatality rate per 100 million miles | 31.39 | NHTSA |
Common contributing factors include blind spots, failure to yield, and driver distraction. Motorcyclists remain among the most vulnerable road users.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, families often benefit from an independent review of the facts to understand their options.
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Even minor collisions can cause serious injuries, making caution essential for all motorists.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal
- An independent investigation helps protect the rights of those affected.
- Drivers who fail to yield must be held accountable when evidence supports it.
- Legal guidance can ease the process of navigating insurance and liability questions.
The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand what families face, and protecting their rights is vital.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the family of Branden Paradise may explore a wrongful death claim for damages, including loss of companionship and emotional distress.
Newsline is a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc. The publication maintains an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence.
All stories undergo a 24-hour review under the Corrections Policy.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).