Interview, lab tests awaited in probe of fatal crash in Clayton

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department is awaiting laboratory test results and an interview before it can close its investigation in the Sunday afternoon crash that killed a Chaumont man at county routes 54 and 125 in the town of Clayton.

Sheriff John P. Burns declined Thursday to say if charges are pending against the driver who survived the collision, Leo R. Coleman, 28, Chaumont-Depauville Road.

The anticipated interview, he said, will be with Tammy L. Burkard, 43, of 27374 Mill St., Chaumont, the wife of Robert B. Burkard, 47, who was killed. Mrs. Burkard was admitted to Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, after suffering a head injury in the collision and remains a patient. She was listed in fair condition Thursday afternoon.

The couple's son, Zachary, 6, was treated at Samaritan Medical Center and released.

Sheriff Burns said preliminary findings in the investigation indicate that Mr. Burkard stopped for a stop sign on Route 125 at about 5:30 p.m., then proceeded into the intersection. The Burkard auto was struck broadside by the Coleman vehicle, which was northbound on Route 54, the sheriff said. He declined additional comment because of the continuing investigation.