NYSP news release
POTSDAM, NY — On Nov. 5, 2020, at approximately 12:34 p.m., State Police responded to a report of a two-car crash at the intersection of State Route 11 and Old Close Road in the town of Potsdam.
An investigation at the scene revealed that a 2011 Honda CRV operated by 72-year-old Donna Blanchard of Potsdam, was stopped facing east on State Route 11, waiting for on-coming traffic to pass, in an attempt to turn left onto Old Close Road.
A 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, operated by 36-year-old Miranda Vari, of Norwood, was also traveling east and struck the rear of Blanchard’s vehicle. The vehicle then ran off the road and struck an earth embankment, rolling over. Vari was ejected from the vehicle.
Blanchard was transported to the Canton-Potsdam Hospital where she was treated for chest pain.
St. Lawrence County Coroner June Wood pronounced Vari deceased at 1 p.m. Her body was removed to the Canton-Potsdam Hospital where an autopsy was performed by Dr. Samuel Livingstone.
Dr. Livingstone determined the cause of death was due to a skull fracture. The manner of death was ruled accidental.
This crash remains under investigation.