On Friday, August 8, 1980, Trooper James A. Kelly, 31, of the New York State Police, Troop F, was on routine patrol with his partner, Trooper Edward J. Hietzman, 26, in the Town of Highlands. At about 0430 hours, the Troopers were driving north on Rte 9W, when a vehicle driven by Clarence A. Starr, 36, crossed the double yellow line, struck the patrol car, and sent it airborne. Trooper Kelly was killed in the crash, while Trooper Hietzman survived his injuries.
Before joining the NY State Police, Kelly served in the New York City Police Department, in the 40th Precinct in the Bronx, from 1973-1977. Trooper Kelly left behind a wife, Kathleen, and three children: Christopher (now also a NY State Trooper), Kathleen, and Patricia.