Washington County officials investigate fatal crash Sunday

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that occurred in their county Sunday, August 23, 2026.

Just after 10 a.m., the county dispatch center received multiple 911 calls reporting a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hillside Road and Pioneer Road in the Village of Richfield. A passing nurse on scene reported that one of the drivers had no pulse and that CPR was being performed.

Upon arrival, deputies found both vehicles off the roadway, with the driver of one of the vehicles trapped and not breathing. Members of the Richfield Fire Department arrived and took over lifesaving efforts before extricating the driver.

Initial investigation showed a northbound vehicle driven by an 83-year-old Town of Polk resident stopped at the intersection but failed to see an eastbound vehicle traveling on Pioneer Road, driven by a 72-year-old Sussex resident, and entered its path.

Both drivers and a passenger in the northbound vehicle were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The 83-year-old driver of the northbound vehicle, a Town of Polk resident, later succumbed to his injuries.

The intersection was closed for about three hours for crash reconstruction and cleanup.