Police vehicle with lights on at a crime scene.

Dodge ram slams tree in union vale killing young driver — Police vehicle with lights on at a crime scene.

Driver killed in single-vehicle crash in Union Vale as investigation continues

UNION VALE, NY — A 25-year-old man from Poughquag was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Clove Road Saturday evening after his pickup truck veered off the roadway and struck a tree, according to the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash occurred around 6:40 p.m. on November 28. Preliminary findings revealed that a 2016 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Ryan E. Nichols was heading south near Mack Road when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The impact left Nichols with fatal injuries, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials say unsafe speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash, though the investigation remains active. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Dutchess County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Town of Union Vale Fire Department.

The incident is being handled by members of the Sheriff’s Office’s Detective Bureau and Crash Investigation Unit. Additional information may be released as it becomes available.

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Key Points

Ryan E. Nichols, 25, of Poughquag, died in a crash on Clove Road in Union Vale
Nichols lost control of a Dodge Ram pickup and struck a tree
Unsafe speed is being considered as a potential contributing factor

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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