13 April 2017**UPDATE - Victim's name is included** State Police investigate fatal construction incident in Red Hook
NEW YORK STATE POLICE Major Robert M. NuzzoTroop K Commander
PRESS RELEASE
Red Hook, New York - On April 13, 2017 at approximately 1:13 p.m., New York State Police in Rhinebeck were dispatched by Dutchess County 911 to 7775 Albany Post Road in Red Hook for a reported incident involving a bulldozer and a pedestrian.
The investigation indicated that 44-year-old Susan M. Coons of Elizaville woman was struck by an 18 ton field tread bulldozer. The deceased was working for Jeff Decker & Son Inc. tasked with leveling a field. The equipment operator was moving the machine to make a minor adjustment to the blade and noticed that his partner had been struck by the bulldozer.
The equipment operator, Kenneth Bendix, 45 years old, of Tivoli, contacted 911 and requested EMS and Police respond to the location. The victim was transported by Northern Dutchess Paramedics to Northern Dutchess Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.
An autopsy conducted on April 14, 2017, revealed that Coons died as a result of severe blunt force trauma. State Police were assisted by the Village of Red Hook Police Department and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office. Also on scene were the Red hook Fire Department and Northern Dutchess Paramedics. The State Police contacted OSHA and notified them of the incident.