Victims Identified In Deadly I-84 Chain-Reaction Crash

KENT, NY — Officials have released the identities of the drivers involved in Monday's deadly pile-up on Interstate 84, in Putnam County.

On Monday, shortly before 2 p.m., New York State Police responded to a serious multi-vehicle collision on I-84 westbound, near mile marker 61.4, in the Town of Kent.

The crash closed the westbound lanes of the highway until after 8 p.m.

Police say the initial investigation determined that a 2024 Ram truck, driven by 36-year-old Nodir Umarov, of Brooklyn, was traveling west in the right lane. Ahead of the Ram, a 2017 Peterbilt tractor-trailer, operated by 34-year-old Dragan Pelevic, of St. Petersburg, Florida, was also traveling west and began to slow for traffic as it approached a work zone.

The Ram truck failed to stop and struck the back of the Peterbilt's trailer. As a result of the impact, the Peterbilt was pushed forward and struck a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek driven by 42-year-old Matthew J. Ames, of Sandy Hook, Connecticut. The Ram also collided with a 2015 Nissan Altima operated by 68-year-old Jeffrey W. Armstrong, of Toccoa, Georgia.

Umarov, the driver and sole occupant of the Ram, was pronounced dead at the scene. The operators of the Peterbilt, Subaru Crosstrek, and Nissan Altima reported no injuries.

New York State Police said the investigation remains ongoing.