ALTONA — New York State Police have ruled the death of a 34-year-old Hogansburg man accidental after he fell from a bridge while walking along Military Turnpike late at night on Aug. 31.
Dustin E. Oakes was found dead near the Devils Den Intersection after stepping off the west side of the road and falling over a bridge into the river below, according to police.
State Police responded to Military Turnpike at approximately 12:42 p.m. on Aug. 31 after receiving reports of a body located in the northside ditch of the road.
Troopers found Oakes’ body approximately 100 feet from a small bridge over a creek.
An autopsy was performed Sept. 1 at 8 a.m. at Glens Falls Hospital by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica.
The autopsy determined the cause of death was hemorrhage due to a compound fracture of the left femur and laceration to the head caused by blunt force trauma.
Police concluded their investigation after reviewing all evidence secured at the scene and completing the autopsy.
Local fire and rescue departments assisted State Police with the investigation.
The Genienkeh Community cooperated with the ongoing investigation, police said.
