An off-duty NYPD detective tragically lost his life in a fiery crash on the Palisades Interstate Parkway early Friday morning.
According to police sources, Detective Charles Cato, a 17-year veteran of the force, appeared to have lost control of his vehicle around 6:00 a.m. near Exit 19, close to Bear Mountain State Park. The vehicle veered onto the left shoulder of the exit ramp, striking a tree before erupting into flames.
State Troopers from the Haverstraw barracks responded to the scene at approximately 6:05 a.m., where they discovered the wreckage of a 2019 Subaru in the median just north of Exit 19. Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicle had exited the roadway for reasons yet to be determined.
Detective Cato, a 45-year-old resident of New Windsor, NY, was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead despite medical efforts.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward and provide information by contacting the State Police at Middletown at 845-344-5300, referencing case number NY2400969180.
The NYPD and the law enforcement community are mourning the loss of Detective Cato, remembered for his dedication and service over nearly two decades.