VERONA -- Two married motorcyclists are dead after a collision with a moving train Tuesday evening.
State Police tell CNY Central that at approximately 5:15 p.m. a Kawasaki motorcycle driven by 39-year-old Leon G. Jayson of Patio Circle Drive in Oneida was traveling north on Fox Road in the Town of Verona when it approached a train crossing. Jayson was riding with his wife, 37-year-old Sherry L. Jayson of the same address.
Police say that as the Jaysons came upon the tracks, their motorcycle was unable to stop and struck the crossing gate. The gate was lowered and operational. The couple was ejected from the bike and struck the moving train. Police say it does not appear that the motorcycle hit the train.
The Jaysons were pronounced dead at the scene.
State Police say they were the parents of five school-aged children ranging from 10-18 years old.
Troopers say the CSX freight train's crew apparently wasn't aware of the accident and didn't find out about it until they stopped 10 miles from the scene. The 82 car, two locomotive train was headed west to Bentonville, Illinois and was comprised of empty coal freight cars.
The accident remains under investigation.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
