Jeffrey Day Obituary, Death – A tragic single-vehicle crash in Monroe County late Tuesday night claimed the life of a 44-year-old man from Batavia, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim, identified as Jeffrey Day, was driving westbound on Chili-Riga Center Road when the accident occurred. Deputies reported that the crash happened at approximately 10:45 p.m. Investigators believe Day was behind the wheel of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) traveling alone at the time.
According to the sheriff’s office, as Day proceeded west on the rural stretch of road, his SUV unexpectedly veered off the roadway. The vehicle then struck a utility pole, and after the impact, it collided with a rock. The force of the two collisions caused the vehicle to overturn, ultimately coming to a rest upside down.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Upon arrival, first responders found the overturned vehicle with significant damage and located Day inside. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet provided a specific cause for the crash and are continuing to investigate what led to the fatal accident. It remains unclear whether speed, road conditions, a mechanical issue, or a medical emergency may have played a role in the vehicle leaving the roadway. The Monroe County Sheriff’s crash reconstruction team is involved in the investigation and will work to determine a complete sequence of events.
Officials have also not said whether weather conditions were a factor that night, though May evenings in the region can sometimes bring rain or reduced visibility, especially in more rural areas such as Chili-Riga Center Road. The area is known for being less traveled and may not always be well-lit, which can contribute to driving hazards after dark.
No other vehicles or individuals were involved in the incident, and no witnesses have been publicly named at this time. Investigators may be reviewing nearby surveillance footage, if available, and awaiting results from toxicology tests and a vehicle inspection to rule out any possible contributing factors.
Jeffrey Day’s sudden passing has left the Batavia community and those who knew him in shock. Though limited personal details have been shared by officials, community members are expected to come together in remembrance as his family and friends process the tragic news. Batavia, located in Genesee County, is a relatively close-knit community where a sudden death like this can deeply affect many people.
As the sheriff’s office continues its investigation, officials have urged anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the crash or who has additional information to come forward. Even small observations can be useful in helping accident reconstruction teams fully understand how a fatal crash unfolded.
Accidents involving single vehicles veering off the roadway are unfortunately not uncommon, especially during nighttime hours. In rural and semi-rural areas, drivers can sometimes face unexpected hazards, including sharp turns, wildlife, poor road conditions, or sudden mechanical failures. Law enforcement agencies often use these incidents to remind drivers to remain vigilant behind the wheel and to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained.
As part of their ongoing efforts, Monroe County officials are likely to review crash data from this stretch of Chili-Riga Center Road to determine whether it is a location with a history of traffic accidents or if there are improvements—such as better signage, lighting, or barriers—that could reduce the risk of future incidents.
Jeffrey Day’s death adds to the growing number of lives lost on New York roads each year, and highlights the importance of road safety awareness, even in cases that may not involve excessive speed, alcohol, or other immediately obvious factors.
No announcements have been made yet regarding memorial services or tributes for Day, but it is expected that loved ones will organize gatherings to honor his memory in the days ahead.
In the meantime, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will continue working to piece together the full story behind this fatal crash. They hope to provide closure for Day’s family while also understanding whether any lessons can be drawn from the accident to help prevent future tragedies.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and how quickly routine drives can end in disaster. It underscores the importance of attentive driving, proper vehicle maintenance, and community awareness of road safety, particularly during nighttime travel on less-frequented routes.
