The quiet streets of Elbridge, New York, were shattered by tragedy in the early hours of March 31, 2025, when a hit-and-run crash claimed the life of 26-year-old Kaheed S. Oxendene. At approximately 5:59 a.m., New York State Police received a distressing call about a motor vehicle accident along Route 5, a well-traveled road that cuts through the heart of this small Onondaga County town. When troopers arrived at the scene, located at 488 Route 5, they discovered a grim sight: a young man lying motionless in the roadway, his motorcycle nearby, a silent testament to the violent collision that had just occurred. Oxendene, a resident of Elbridge, was identified as the victim, and the details that have since emerged paint a picture of a sudden, devastating event that has left a community in mourning and authorities searching for answers.
Investigators have pieced together the moments leading up to the crash. Oxendene was riding westbound on his motorcycle, likely enjoying the crisp pre-dawn air, when his journey was abruptly interrupted. A vehicle, driven by 70-year-old Edward F. Lawyer of Syracuse, struck the motorcycle with enough force to send Oxendene crashing to the pavement. What makes this incident even more heart-wrenching is what happened next: Lawyer, instead of stopping to render aid or face the consequences, fled the scene, leaving the injured young man behind. Emergency responders rushed Oxendene to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse for urgent medical evaluation, but despite their efforts, the full extent of his injuries remained unclear in the immediate aftermath. For the family and friends of Kaheed Oxendene, the wait for answers must have been agonizing, only to be met with the unbearable news of his passing.
The suspect, Edward F. Lawyer, did not evade authorities for long. State Police located him later that day, and he now faces legal repercussions for his actions. Lawyer has been issued uniform traffic tickets for leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, a charge that underscores the gravity of abandoning a victim in need. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Elbridge Court at a later date, where he will answer for his alleged role in this tragic event. Yet, for those who knew Oxendene, the courtroom proceedings offer little solace in the face of such a profound loss. The investigation remains active, with State Police working diligently to uncover every detail of what transpired on that fateful morning. Authorities have not yet released additional information about the circumstances—whether speed, impairment, or distraction played a role—but their commitment to a thorough inquiry signals a determination to deliver justice.
Route 5, where the crash occurred, is no stranger to traffic incidents, serving as a vital artery connecting rural communities like Elbridge to larger hubs like Syracuse. The road’s history of accidents has long been a concern for locals, and this latest tragedy has reignited discussions about safety on its stretches. For Elbridge, a town of just over 5,000 residents, the loss of Oxendene reverberates deeply. Known for its tight-knit community and peaceful charm, the town now grapples with grief and the unsettling reality of a hit-and-run within its borders. As news of the incident spreads, it’s likely that residents will rally to support Oxendene’s loved ones, a small but meaningful gesture in the wake of such sorrow.
Kaheed S. Oxendene’s life was cut short in an instant, but the impact of his death will linger far longer. At 26, he was in the prime of his youth, with dreams, relationships, and a future that will now remain unfulfilled. While the legal process unfolds and investigators continue their work, the focus for many will shift to remembering who he was—a son, a friend, perhaps a brother or a partner—rather than just the circumstances of how he was taken. The State Police have assured the public that more information will be forthcoming as the investigation progresses, but for now, the story of that early Monday morning serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the ripple effects of a single, reckless decision. As Elbridge mourns, the hope is that this tragedy will not only bring justice but also spark a renewed commitment to safety on the roads that connect us all.