A 29-year-old West Harrison man died in a violent car accident on I-684 early Sunday morning, confirmed New York State Police.
Christopher Pettee, 29, was speeding in a 2008 Nissan Maxima in the southbound left lane of I-684 near Armonk when he struck the rear of a 2001 Nissan Sentra in the same lane around 12:20 a.m., said investigator Joseph Becerra.
The Sentra, driven by Rudonna Atkinson, in her early 30s, of Mount Vernon, went into the grass median. Pettee's Maxima crossed over three lanes following the impact and flew into an embankment, hitting several trees and breaking into three parts. Pettee was reportedly thrown from the vehicle even though he was wearing a safety belt.
Becerra said Pettee died of massive head trauma, among other injuries, sustained during the crash. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
Atkinson was taken to Northern Westchester Hospital where she was treated for minor injuries and released.
The Armonk Fire Department, New York State Police troopers and investigators, and the Accident Reconstruction Unit responded to the accident.
One lane remained open on I-684 near the scene, which was cleared by 5 a.m.
