A man who was supposed to be sentenced Tuesday in Albany County Court ended up dead on Interstate 787.
Traffic was backed up on some of the busiest highways in our area.

Photos from drivers show the congestion. Traffic was slow, or at a standstill.

Parts of 787 northbound and I-90 were shut down, as emergency crews responded.

Cars were backed up on some of the region’s busiest highways.

State police say a person died after going off the I-90 overpass down onto 787 between exits 5 and 6.

There is no pedestrian walkway along that 90 overpass.

The Times Union is reporting that the person who died is Michael Matteo, a former Albany City Water Department employee.

Matteo’s attorney, Joseph McCoy said over the phone that Matteo was supposed to be in court to be sentenced, but never showed up for court.

He was to be sentenced after having pleaded guilty to grand larceny.

His attorney said after Matteo failed to appear and the judge issued a warrant for Matteo’s arrest, they got word that he had died.

Michael Matteo of Albany, 57 years old at the time of his arrest last year, was accused of getting payments for a job he never completed.

Albany police say between June of 2022 and January of 2023, the victim paid Matteo about $138,000 for him to renovate a home in Albany– work that was never finished.

McCoy said Matteo was supposed to pay $140,000 in restitution.

There was also supposed to be a victim impact statement in court.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

https://988lifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/

It’s available 24/7, it’s free and confidential support. There’s also an online chat option.