Johnstown man admits to crashing motorcycle while drunk, killing passenger

A Johnstown motorcyclist has admitted to driving while intoxicated and crashing into a truck in June, killing his passenger.

Richard T. Irelan, 45, pleaded guilty in Saratoga County Court on Thursday to second-degree vehicular manslaughter for the July 30 crash. Ireland was operating a Harley Davidson motorcycle when he rear-ended a pickup truck on the southbound off-ramp of Exit 15 of the Northway in Wilton. His passenger, Amanda Sullivan, was ejected from the motorcycle, police said.

Sullivan was rushed to Saratoga Hospital, where she died from her injuries.

State Police determined Irelan was intoxicated. A blood test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.09% and the presence of cannabis in his system.

Irelan is expected to receive 2 to 6 years in prison when sentenced on Jan. 16.

District Attorney Karen Heggen released a statement on the plea.

“This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of operating a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Our hearts go out to the family and the loved ones of Amanda Sullivan, who lost her life in this senseless and preventable tragedy,” she said.