SIDNEY – A man avoiding the New York State Police lost control of his car during a pursuit and caused a serious accident in the Town of Sidney which claimed the life of the fleeing driver.

Police said preliminary investigations revealed that at about 3:35 p.m. Friday, Robin W. Straley, 27, of Mt. Upton, was killed after the 1993 champagne colored Toyota he was driving east on County Route 23 at a high rate of speed, spun sideways and crossed into the westbound lane.

Officers said he then struck the front of a 2006 Buick being operated by Sarah A. Mott, 66 of Bainbridge.

Mr. Straley was pronounced deceased at the scene by Delaware County Coroner Dr. Richard Ucci. A passenger in Mr. Straley’s vehicle, Samantha M. Decutler, 20, of Sidney, was airlifted via Lifenet helicopter to Wilson Regional Medical Center in Johnson City, where she is listed in serious condition.