Watertown man killed in motorcycle crash on I-81

Published
June 15, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Cortland, New York
Interstate 81
View on map
Incident type
Crash, Motorcycle

Summary

Motorcycle Crash Cortland New York in Cortland, New York: A Watertown man, Christopher Messerlie, was killed when his motorcycle left Interstate 81 south of the Cortland exit and struck a guide rail on Saturday morning. He was pronounced dead at the scene and both lanes of I‐81 were closed, causing an almost two-mile backup.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Christopher Messerlie Driver Fatal

Original reporting

Watertown man killed in motorcycle crash on I-81

Related accident news