The State Police are investigating a two-car fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred on the New York State Thruway I-87 northbound, shortly before 7:00 AM on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 in the Village of Suffern, Rockland County.

At approximately 6:54 AM, NYS Thruway communications received calls of a blue pickup truck traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-87 in the area of exit 15 in the Village of Suffern. Immediately following, Thruway dispatch received calls for a two vehicle accident at mpm 29.5.

Troopers immediately responded and encountered a two vehicle collision at that location with the drivers and sole occupants deceased.

At this time, a preliminary investigation has revealed that a 2002 Dodge Dakota operated by Richard E. Christopher, age 32, of Suffern, NY was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-87 for unknown reasons.

Christopher’s vehicle struck head-on, a 2003 Honda CRV operated by James B. DeVito, age 59, of Airmont, NY. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.

State Police can confirm Richard Christopher was a member of the New York Police Department who was off-duty at the time of the accident.

The investigation into the accident is continuing with the assistance of the New York State Police Collision reconstruction unit, as well the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

State Police were assisted by the Town of Ramapo Police Department, NYS Thruway Traffic Safety & Maintenance, and the Tallman Fire Department.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at SP Haverstraw at 845-364-0200.

(YWN Monsey Newsroom)