William Pufky Obituary, Death – A longtime member of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office was killed Sunday afternoon after his motorcycle crashed on a rural road in Madison County. Authorities confirmed that Deputy William “Bill” Pufky, 58, of Lafayette, died from injuries sustained in the accident.
According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred shortly before 3:45 p.m. on September 21. Pufky was riding his 1998 Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound on Nelson Road with a group of other riders when he lost control while approaching a sharp curve near Watson Road. Investigators said the motorcycle veered off the east shoulder and overturned into a ditch.
Emergency responders found Pufky unconscious in the ditch with severe injuries. Rescue personnel attempted life-saving measures before he was flown by Mercy Flight helicopter to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. Despite the efforts of medical teams, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities noted that Pufky was off duty at the time of the crash. The incident remains under investigation, and no further details about contributing factors have been released.
The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed Pufky’s passing in a heartfelt statement. Sheriff Tobias Shelley praised the deputy’s decades of service and his dedication to the community, highlighting both his professional contributions and his personal character.
Pufky had served with the sheriff’s office for 23 years and was assigned to the custody division at the Jamesville facility. Colleagues described him as a reliable, respected presence in the department, known for his kindness and camaraderie with fellow deputies.
In a message shared on social media, Sheriff Shelley also revealed that Pufky’s family had chosen to donate his organs, calling it a reflection of his lifelong generosity and commitment to helping others. “True to his generous spirit and lifelong dedication to serving others, Bill’s family made the selfless decision to donate his organs — a final act of compassion that speaks to the man he was,” Shelley wrote.
Beyond his career, Pufky was remembered as a devoted father. He is survived by his two daughters, Brooke and Rachel, who, according to the sheriff, “were the pride and joy of his life.” Shelley extended condolences on behalf of the department, saying, “Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with them, and with all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Bill, during this time of immense grief.”
Tributes have poured in from colleagues, friends, and community members who recalled Pufky’s professionalism and his warmth. Many noted that he not only upheld the duties of his role but also made a lasting impact on those around him through his kindness and willingness to lend a hand.
As the investigation into the crash continues, law enforcement officials are expected to examine roadway conditions, the curve where the crash occurred, and whether speed or mechanical issues may have played a role. Motorcycle accidents are often severe due to the lack of protection for riders, and rural roads with sharp curves can pose particular challenges.
For now, the sheriff’s office and wider community are mourning the sudden loss of one of their own. “As we mourn his loss, we also honor and remember his decades of service, his camaraderie, and the lasting impact he made on both this agency and our community,” Sheriff Shelley said.
Deputy Pufky’s death marks a profound loss for both his family and the law enforcement community, leaving behind a legacy of service, generosity, and devotion that will not be forgotten.
