Bernard A. Pohl Obituary, Death: 86-year-old Pine Bush man dies in Route 52 crash in Shawangunk

Bernard A. Pohl Obituary, Death  An 86-year-old man from Pine Bush lost his life in a tragic car crash on June 10 in the town of Shawangunk, New York. Authorities say the incident took place just before 12:45 p.m. on Route 52 and involved a single vehicle that veered off the highway and rolled over multiple times.

According to a report from the New York State Police, the preliminary findings suggest that the vehicle involved—a 2019 Honda—was traveling eastbound on Route 52 at a high rate of speed. At some point, the car crossed the double yellow center line, left the roadway via the north shoulder, and collided with a utility pole. After striking the pole, the vehicle flipped several times before finally coming to a stop after crashing into a tree.

The driver, who was the only person in the vehicle, was identified as Bernard A. Pohl, 86, of Pine Bush. State police confirmed that Pohl died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Emergency responders, including officers from the Town of Shawangunk Police Department, assisted state troopers at the crash site. Investigators worked to secure the area and document the scene, which involved considerable damage to the vehicle and surrounding property.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities have not yet determined what caused the car to leave the roadway or whether any mechanical issues, medical emergencies, or other contributing factors played a role. Police are continuing to gather evidence and review any possible surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts that might shed light on the circumstances leading up to the fatal incident.

The fatal accident has prompted concerns about road safety along Route 52, particularly for older drivers and those traveling at high speeds. While it’s unclear exactly why Pohl was speeding, the outcome of the crash serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a drive can turn deadly when control of a vehicle is lost.

Local residents expressed sadness upon learning of the crash, as Bernard Pohl was known in the Pine Bush area. No further details about his background or funeral arrangements have been released by the authorities or his family.

State police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen the vehicle prior to the incident to contact them with information, as it may assist in completing the investigation. For now, the crash remains under review, with law enforcement working to determine the full picture of what occurred.

Officials have not said when they expect to conclude the investigation but emphasized that all aspects, including road conditions and vehicle data, will be examined to ensure a thorough understanding of the incident.