YOUNGSTOWN, N.Y. — A New York State Trooper was sent to ECMC with serious injuries after being struck while riding a police motorcycle on State Route 93 in Youngstown on Friday afternoon.
The New York State Police have since provided an update regarding the troopers condition.
In an updated press release on Saturday NYSP wrote:
"On September 13, 2024, Sergeant Station Commander Salvatore A. Mattina, 10 year veteran of the NYSP, operating a State Police Harley-Davidson for a safety/dry run for the Mercy Flight-Western New York Dice Run.
Sgt/SC Mattina has sustained very serious injuries, including multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and organ damage. The extent of these injuries especially the broken bones in his face, arm, pelvis, right leg tibia, fibula, right ankle, sternum, along with the internal bleeding and brain injury makes it clear that he’s going through a critical and complex medical situation with multiple surgeries ahead.
NYSP Collision Reconstruction Unit and Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted in this collision."
A GoFundMe had been created for Commander Salvatore Mattina and can be found here.
In the GoFundMe it says "Sam is a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He makes every room brighter and fills everyone's hearts with joy and love. He is a hero to many people and has saved many lives in the line of duty."
According to troopers, a car was traveling north on the Niagara Scenic Parkway and exited onto State Route 93 when they failed to yield the right of way, striking a State Police 2002 Harley Davidson Motorcycle.
The driver of the car was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital with minor injuries. Troopers say there was no intoxication detected.