No Additional Charges Expected

In Pedestrian’s Death, Police Say

ONEONTA –  No additional charges will be filed against driver Mark Fedorov in the death of Daniel Heath, 75, the pedestrian struck by a car as he crossed at Main and Chestnut streets Wednesday morning, city police report.

“No other charges apply,” said Lt. Douglas Brenner.  “The driver was not reckless, he wasn’t impaired, there was no depraved indifference.  It’s just a tragedy.”

After reviewing camera footage and witness statements, Oneonta Police determined that Fedorov approached a “confusing” traffic situation and did not see Heath crossing.

“There was a car with their four-way lights on, turning right, got the green and pulled forward, then stopped,” said Brenner.  “Federov was turning left, wasn’t sure why the other car had stopped, and then started to go forward.  He was focused on the other car, and he told us he just didn’t see the pedestrian.”

Heath, who was crossing from Simply Thai to Bassett,  was struck by Fedorov’s car.  “We believe the initial impact was one leg, then he fell against the hood of the car and then onto the ground,” he said.

The cause of death was inter-cranial hemorrhaging, commonly known as “bleeding on the brain.”  Heath also suffered leg and neck injuries.