RICHFIELD SPRINGS, N.Y. — New York State Police have identified the victim in a tragic crash discovered Tuesday morning in Otsego County. Authorities say 39-year-old Rachel Galesky, of Richfield Springs, was found deceased inside a vehicle that had become submerged in a pond.
Troopers responded to the scene after a passerby noticed tire tracks leading off the roadway near County Highway 22 and contacted authorities around 8:15 a.m. Upon arrival, first responders located a partially submerged vehicle in a pond several yards from the road. Dive teams were quickly deployed to search the water, where they found the vehicle with Galesky inside. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations suggest the crash may have occurred several hours before the discovery, possibly overnight. Investigators believe Galesky’s vehicle veered off the road, struck an embankment, and entered the pond. Weather conditions and low visibility during the night may have contributed to the accident, though authorities say the exact cause remains under investigation.
The New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, along with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, worked throughout the day to process the scene and remove the vehicle from the water. Officials said there were no immediate signs of foul play, but a full autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause of death.
Neighbors in the small community of Richfield Springs described Rachel Galesky as a kindhearted, hardworking woman who was deeply connected to her family and friends. News of her passing has shaken the tight-knit Otsego County community, where residents say such tragedies are rare.
“She was the kind of person who always smiled and made others feel welcome,” one longtime friend shared. “It’s heartbreaking to think she’s gone.”
As investigators continue to piece together the timeline of events, family members are now faced with the difficult task of mourning a beloved daughter, friend, and neighbor taken far too soon. A memorial service is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Authorities are urging drivers to use extra caution on rural roads, especially during dark or foggy conditions, as the community remembers and honors the life of Rachel Galesky.
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