TOWN OF ONEONTA, N.Y. — A Long Island man has died following a two vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV in Otsego County, according to New York State Police. Troopers responded to the crash at approximately 1:52 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the intersection of State Highway 28 and County Highway 48 in the Town of Oneonta. Preliminary findings indicate that a 76 year old woman driving an SUV was traveling on County Highway 48 when she attempted to make a left turn onto State Highway 28.

Authorities say the driver failed to see an oncoming motorcycle, which was traveling southbound on Highway 28 as part of a group ride. The motorcyclist, identified as Gabriel Mizrahi, 57, of Syosset, was unable to avoid the SUV and collided with the vehicle. Despite immediate aid and transport to a trauma center, Mizrahi later died from his injuries.

The Crash: A Deadly Left Turn at a Rural Intersection

The crash occurred at approximately 1:52 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the intersection of State Highway 28 and County Highway 48 in the Town of Oneonta, New York. Oneonta is a small city in Otsego County, located in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains, approximately 70 miles west of Albany and 40 miles south of Cooperstown. State Highway 28 is a major north south route that runs through the area, connecting Oneonta to other communities and to Interstate 88. County Highway 48 is a local road that intersects with Highway 28 from the west. The intersection is rural, likely controlled by a stop sign on County Highway 48 or a traffic signal. At 1:52 p.m., the sun would have been high in the sky, providing good visibility. The weather would have been typical for early May in upstate New York, likely mild and clear.

According to preliminary findings from the New York State Police, a 76 year old woman was driving an SUV on County Highway 48. She approached the intersection with State Highway 28 and attempted to make a left turn onto the highway. A left turn requires the driver to cross the southbound lane of Highway 28 to enter the northbound lane. The driver must yield to oncoming traffic in both directions.

At the same time, Gabriel Mizrahi was riding a motorcycle southbound on State Highway 28. He was part of a group ride, meaning there were likely other motorcyclists nearby. The group may have been traveling together for pleasure, for a club ride, or for a charitable event. Mizrahi was in the southbound lane, approaching the intersection.

For reasons that remain under investigation, the 76 year old driver failed to see the oncoming motorcycle. She may have looked but not seen him; motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars. She may have misjudged his speed or distance. She may have been distracted or impaired, though no such information has been released. She began her left turn, pulling into the path of the motorcycle.

Mizrahi had no time to react. He was unable to avoid the SUV, and his motorcycle collided with the vehicle. The impact was severe. A motorcycle offers no protection to the rider. The force of the crash threw Mizrahi from his bike, causing catastrophic injuries.

The Victim: Gabriel “Gabi” Mizrahi, 57, of Syosset, Long Island

Gabriel Mizrahi, known as Gabi, was 57 years old. He was a resident of Syosset, New York, a hamlet on Long Island in Nassau County. Syosset is an affluent suburban community approximately 30 miles east of Manhattan. Gabi was likely a husband, a father, a friend, and a colleague. At 57, he was a man in his late fifties, still active and enjoying life. He was riding his motorcycle on a beautiful spring day with friends, doing something he loved.

The original article does not provide extensive biographical details about Gabi his occupation, his family structure, his hobbies beyond motorcycling. That information will emerge in the coming days as family members speak to the media and as obituaries are published. What is known is that he was 57, that he was from Syosset, and that he is gone. He was riding southbound on State Highway 28 in the Town of Oneonta when an SUV turned left in front of him. He died from his injuries.

The Rescue: Immediate Aid, Hospital Transport, and Airlift

Following the collision, Gabi Mizrahi received immediate aid at the scene. Other motorcyclists in the group ride likely stopped and provided first aid. They may have called 911 and attempted to control bleeding or keep him stable. Emergency medical services arrived shortly thereafter.

Mizrahi was initially transported to A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta, a community hospital capable of treating trauma patients. However, due to the severity of his injuries, doctors determined that he needed advanced trauma care not available at that facility. He was airlifted by medical helicopter to a regional trauma center, likely Albany Medical Center or Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. The flight would have taken approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Despite the best efforts of trauma surgeons, nurses, and medical staff, Gabi Mizrahi later died from his injuries. The time and date of death have not been publicly released.

The Driver: 76 Year Old Woman, No Charges Announced

The driver of the SUV was a 76 year old woman. Her name has not been released, and no charges or citations have been announced as of this report. The crash remains under active investigation by the New York State Police. Troopers are working to determine all contributing factors, including visibility, roadway conditions, and driver actions at the time of the incident.

Key questions include:

• Did the driver fail to yield the right of way? Under New York law, a driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic. If the driver failed to see the motorcycle, she may have violated that law.

• Was the driver distracted? Was she looking at a phone, a GPS, or a passenger?

• Was the driver impaired by alcohol or drugs? Toxicology tests may be performed.

• Were there any visual obstructions? Trees, hills, or buildings could have blocked the driver’s view of the motorcycle.

• Was the motorcycle speeding? If the motorcycle was traveling above the posted speed limit, it could have contributed to the driver’s miscalculation.

The driver remained at the scene and is likely cooperating with investigators. Depending on the findings, she could face charges ranging from failure to yield (a traffic infraction) to negligent homicide or even manslaughter if evidence of reckless behavior or impairment is found.

The Group Ride: A Day of Recreation Turns to Tragedy

Gabi Mizrahi was riding as part of a group ride. Motorcycle group rides are common on weekends, especially in scenic areas like the Catskills and upstate New York. Riders gather to enjoy the open road, the camaraderie, and the beautiful landscapes. The group may have been part of a motorcycle club, a social organization, or simply a group of friends.

The other riders in the group witnessed the crash or its aftermath. They will be traumatized. They will carry the memory of seeing their friend killed. They will need support and counseling. The group may hold a memorial ride in Gabi’s honor.

The Investigation: Ongoing and Seeking Witnesses

The New York State Police continue to investigate the crash. They are reviewing witness statements, examining the vehicles for evidence, and analyzing the scene. They are also seeking any additional witnesses who may have seen the crash or the events leading up to it. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact state police.

The crash reconstruction team will determine the speeds of both vehicles, the point of impact, and the actions of the driver and rider in the seconds before the collision. They will also examine the SUV for any mechanical issues and the motorcycle for any defects.

The Community: Syosset and Oneonta in Mourning

The Syosset community on Long Island is mourning the loss of Gabriel Mizrahi. Syosset is a close knit suburb where news of a tragic death spreads quickly. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues are expressing their condolences. A memorial may be held in his honor.

The Oneonta community, where the crash occurred, is also in mourning. Residents of the Town of Oneonta are reminded of the dangers of rural intersections, especially when motorcycles are involved.

Gabi’s family is devastated. They have lost a husband, a father, a son, a brother. They are planning a funeral instead of celebrating a milestone. The pain is immeasurable.

The Dangers of Left Turn Crashes and Motorcycles

The crash that killed Gabi Mizrahi is a tragic example of the most common type of motorcycle crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 40 percent of motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle occur when a car or truck turns left in front of a motorcycle. Drivers fail to see the motorcycle, or they misjudge its speed, and they turn directly into its path.

Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars. Their headlights are narrower, and they can be obscured by other vehicles or by glare. Drivers are trained to look for cars, and their brains may literally not register a motorcycle as a threat. This phenomenon is known as inattentional blindness.

For motorcyclists, the best defense is to ride defensively, to assume that drivers do not see them, and to be prepared to take evasive action. But even the most skilled and cautious rider cannot avoid every crash. When a driver turns directly in front of a motorcycle, the rider often has only a fraction of a second to react. Gabi Mizrahi did not have that time.

Safety experts recommend that drivers always look twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections. They should take an extra second to scan for bikes before turning. Motorcyclists should wear bright, reflective gear and use their high beams during the day to increase visibility.

Holding Onto Memories

As the investigation continues and the communities mourn, the family and friends of Gabriel “Gabi” Mizrahi are left to do the hardest work of all. They must hold onto their memories of him while also confronting the reality of his death. They must grieve his loss while also waiting for answers. They must find a way to go on without him.

Gabi was 57. He had years of life ahead of him. He had family who need him, friends who cherish him, a community that valued his presence. That is the tragedy of his death. It is not just the loss of what was. It is the loss of what could have been.

But what was still matters. The 57 years that Gabi lived, the people he loved, the joy he brought, the memories he created these things are not erased by his death. They remain. They are the inheritance of his family, his friends, and everyone who knew him. And as long as those memories are held and shared and cherished, Gabriel “Gabi” Mizrahi will never truly be gone.

Conclusion: A Motorcyclist Lost on State Highway 28

The death of Gabriel “Gabi” Mizrahi, 57, of Syosset, in a motorcycle crash at the intersection of State Highway 28 and County Highway 48 in the Town of Oneonta, is a tragedy that has left a family shattered and two communities in mourning. A 76 year old woman driving an SUV attempted to make a left turn and failed to see the oncoming motorcycle. Mizrahi was part of a group ride. He was airlifted to a trauma center but died from his injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

As Syosset and Oneonta mourn, the communities stand together in grief, offering prayers and support to Gabi’s family. Rest in peace, Gabriel “Gabi” Mizrahi. You were loved. You will be missed. And your memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew you. Gone too soon, forever remembered.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is encouraged to contact New York State Police as the investigation continues.