On Friday, November 20, 1970, Investigator John F. Cotter, 33, assigned to the New York State Police, Middletown Barracks of Troop F, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, was returning to Middletown.
Investigator Cotter had just finished testifying in Sullivan County, and was driving on the rain-slick Route 17 Quickway. His car skidded off the roadway into a ditch at about 2030 hours. Cotter was transported to Monticello Community General Hospital where he passed away on the afternoon of Saturday, November 21, 1970, from severe head and internal injuries suffered in the accident.
Investigator Cotter was a qualified NY State Police SCUBA diver and polygraph operator. He left behind a wife, Sheila, a 6-year old son, John F Cotter III, a 5-year old daughter Michelle Louise, a 2-year old daughter Diane Elizabeth.