Heartbreak in Hudson Valley: Man and Horse Fatality in Motorcycle Crash

New York man dies after his motorcycle hits a horse in the Hudson Valley.

Just last week we reported a story of a car vs. horse and buggy accident in Herkimer County. In that incident all parties involved were left relatively unharmed, including the horse. Today we are reporting the sad outcome of a separate accident involving a horse.

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On Tuesday October 7, 2025, according to the New York State Police, uniformed members and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation from the State Police Rhinebeck barracks were dispatched to the area of State Route 9G and North Creek Road in the town of Clinton for a report of a motorcycle versus horse crash with injuries.

An investigation into the incident, which took place at approximately 4:15am, determined that a 2007 Chappy-style motorcycle, operated by 48-year-old Craig M. Butler of Staatsburg, NY, was traveling northbound on State Route 9G when it struck a horse in the roadway, ejecting Butler from the motorcycle.

At this time there is no indication as to how the horse was in a position to be struck by the motorcycle. Despite life-saving measures, Butler was pronounced deceased at the scene. The horse also succumbed to its injuries as a result of the impact.

According to Assemblymember Robert Carroll, there are 65,000 reported collisions annually with deer alone in New York State and collisions with wildlife cost millions in property damage, healthcare, and emergency responder costs.

Earlier this year Mr. Carroll announced that his bill “The New York Wildlife Crossing Act” passed the New York State Assembly. It directs the State Department of Transportation and New York State Thruway Authority to identify sites along all highways, thruways and parkways in the State where wildlife crossings are most needed.