East Fishkill, NY – The New York State Police (NYSP) is grieving the loss of one of its own following a tragic motorcycle crash that claimed the life of Sergeant and Station Commander Nigel K. Barnett, 49, of Poughkeepsie.
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According to a press release from the NYSP, troopers from the Stormville barracks were dispatched shortly after 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, to reports of a single-vehicle accident on the southbound Taconic State Parkway near mile marker 36.1 in the Town of East Fishkill.
Investigators determined that Sergeant Barnett was riding a 2025 Ducati motorcycle when he lost control, was thrown from the bike, and struck a guardrail. Emergency crews arrived quickly and attempted lifesaving measures, but Barnett was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sergeant Barnett was a 19-year veteran of the New York State Police and most recently served as Station Commander at State Police Cortlandt in Troop K. Over nearly two decades of service, he earned the respect of his peers and the communities he protected, known for his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to public safety.
“Sergeant Barnett embodied the values of honor, integrity, and service that define the New York State Police,” the agency said in a statement. “He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.”
The crash remains under investigation by the NYSP’s Collision Reconstruction Unit, which is working to determine the exact cause of the accident. Officials have not released any indication that weather or road conditions were contributing factors at this time.
Authorities have requested that the public keep Sergeant Barnett’s family, friends, and fellow troopers in their thoughts as they navigate this difficult loss. Plans for services and memorials are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Barnett’s death is a somber reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers both on and off duty, as colleagues across the state honor his dedication and sacrifice.