Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione says the quick actions of a passing motorist likely saved four lives following Wednesday’s fiery three-vehicle crash in the Town of Naples that claimed the life of a 71-year-old man.
During a Thursday afternoon news conference, Cirencione praised 34-year-old Luke Sparra of Fairport for rescuing multiple victims from burning vehicles after the crash on County Road 12.
“I truly believe that without Mr. Sparra’s actions, we would have had five more fatalities,” the sheriff said.
Crash Claimed One Life
The crash occurred at approximately 3:42 p.m. Wednesday on County Road 12, which is serving as a detour around the State Route 21 construction project in Naples.
According to investigators, a northbound 2025 Nissan Pathfinder driven by 40-year-old Morgan Gleidman of Cohocton crossed the center line for reasons that remain under investigation and struck a southbound Chevrolet pickup truck driven by Brian Johnson head-on. Johnson was towing a fifth-wheel camper trailer.
A second southbound vehicle, a GMC SUV driven by Sparra, was unable to stop and struck the rear of the camper trailer after the pickup came to an abrupt stop.
The impact caused Johnson’s pickup and Gleidman’s SUV to catch fire almost immediately.
Johnson became trapped inside his pickup and could not be rescued. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said it has not yet been determined whether Johnson died from injuries sustained in the collision or from the ensuing fire. His remains have been taken to the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
Three Remain Hospitalized
Sheriff Cirencione said three people remain in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.
Johnson’s wife, 71-year-old Sharon Johnson, remains in the intensive care unit after suffering serious injuries.
Gleidman underwent surgery Wednesday night and is expected to undergo a second operation. She also remains in the ICU.
Initially believed to have suffered only minor injuries, Gleidman’s 6-year-old son was later found to have serious internal injuries. He underwent surgery and remains in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital.
Gleidman’s 8-month-old daughter was not injured and has since been released from the hospital.
Sparra suffered a minor laceration to his arm during the rescue.
Bystander Rescue Credited With Saving Lives
Despite being injured himself, Sparra immediately rushed to help after the crash.
The sheriff said Sparra single-handedly pulled Gleidman and her two children from the burning Nissan Pathfinder as flames spread around the vehicle. He then joined an unidentified woman who had also stopped to help in pulling Sharon Johnson from the burning pickup truck before it became fully engulfed in flames.
Cirencione also praised a nurse who stopped at the crash scene and remained with the injured children, providing medical care until emergency responders arrived.
Authorities are still working to identify the woman who helped rescue Sharon Johnson.
Emergency Response
The first Ontario County Sheriff’s deputy arrived approximately eight minutes after the 911 call.
Fire crews arrived 12 to 14 minutes after dispatch, a delay Cirencione attributed in part to increased traffic caused by the Route 21 detour through Naples.
Morgan Gleidman was flown by Mercy Flight directly from the scene to Strong Memorial Hospital.
Two additional medical helicopters met ambulances at Richmond Fire Hall and in West Bloomfield to transport Sharon Johnson and the 6-year-old boy to Strong.
Cirencione also acknowledged the Cheshire Fire Department, noting it had been inadvertently omitted from the Sheriff’s Office’s initial news release despite playing a significant role in extinguishing the fire and managing traffic.
Investigation Continues
Investigators have confirmed Gleidman’s vehicle crossed into the southbound lane before the crash, but the reason remains unknown.
Because of her injuries, Gleidman was unable to be interviewed at the scene. Investigators have collected witness statements and continue reconstructing the crash under the direction of Lt. Martin.
The sheriff said another update is expected once investigators are able to interview Gleidman.
Authorities are also awaiting the Medical Examiner’s findings to determine Brian Johnson’s official cause of death.
