In the quiet, early morning hours of August 13, 2025, a devastating tragedy unfolded along the serene stretch of Route 5 & 20 in the Town of Hopewell, New York. The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office responded to a chilling scene just after 7 a.m., where a single-vehicle crash claimed the life of 32-year-old Benjamin Best, a beloved resident of Oswego. The accident, which occurred near 3735 State Route 5 & 20, has left a community grappling with grief and searching for answers.

Benjamin Best was alone in his vehicle when it veered off the roadway, colliding with a tree in a violent impact that proved fatal. Emergency crews from Canandaigua Ambulance and the Hopewell Fire Department rushed to the scene, their sirens piercing the stillness of the morning. Despite their swift response, they found Benjamin lifeless at the crash site, a heartbreaking discovery that marked the end of a vibrant life. Authorities pronounced him deceased on the scene, a somber moment that would ripple through the lives of those who knew him.

The crash prompted the closure of Route 5 & 20 between Freshour Road and Mumby Road for several hours, as investigators meticulously combed through the wreckage to piece together the events leading to the tragedy. Preliminary findings from the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office point to speed as a possible contributing factor, though the investigation remains active, with the Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner’s Office working diligently to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the accident. Every detail matters in their pursuit of clarity, not just for justice, but to provide closure to a grieving community.

Benjamin Best was more than a name in a news report; he was a son, a friend, and a cherished member of the Oswego community. Those who knew him speak of a man whose presence lit up rooms, whose spirit was infectious, and whose impact was profound. His untimely passing has left a void, with family and friends holding tightly to memories of his warmth and vitality. As they mourn, the community rallies to honor his life, reflecting on the moments that defined him and the legacy he leaves behind.

As the investigation continues, further details, including funeral arrangements, are expected to be shared in the coming days, offering an opportunity for those touched by Benjamin’s life to come together in remembrance. For now, the quiet stretch of Route 5 & 20 stands as a somber reminder of a life lost too soon, and a community bound by shared sorrow, holding fast to the memory of Benjamin Best.