High rate of speed cited in Clifton Park fatal crash

PHOTOGRAPHER: Justin Mason

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State police investigators say speed contributed to a fatal accident in the town during the pre-dawn hours Friday.

Thomas Friess, 24, of Rexford was apparently driving at a high rate of speed near the intersection of Grooms and Lapp roads, when he veered his 2005 Jeep Cherokee into a tree. The collision caused the vehicle to flip, trapping Friess inside when it came to rest in a nearby vacant lot.

Troopers arrived on the scene around 3:24 a.m. and found at least one witness to the crash. Further investigation determined Friess was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.

Friess was cut from the vehicle and taken to the Albany Medical Center Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. State Police were assisted at the scene by the Vischer Ferry Fire Department and the Clifton Park- Halfmoon EMS.