RICHFIELD, N.Y. A quiet Friday night turned into heartbreak in Otsego County after 29-year-old firefighter and paramedic Ashley M. Faubert lost her life in a single-vehicle crash.
The crash happened around 9:30 p.m. on April 10, 2026, along County Highway 22 just south of Butternut Road. Authorities said her vehicle left the roadway for reasons still under investigation and struck a tree.
She was alone in the car at the time of the crash. Emergency responders arrived quickly after nearby residents called for help.
People on the scene tried life-saving measures immediately. Paramedics worked fast and with urgency before transporting her to Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.
Despite those efforts, she was pronounced dead at the hospital. The news sent shock through Ilion and surrounding communities.
Ashley Faubert served with the Ilion Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic. Colleagues described her as deeply committed to helping others and always ready to respond.
Her death left coworkers, friends, and residents struggling to process the loss of someone they saw as dependable and selfless. Many said she brought calm in moments of crisis.
The crash remains under investigation as authorities continue to examine what caused the vehicle to leave the road that night.
