On April 19, 2025, the close community of Painted Post, New York, was devastated by the tragic death of 19-year-old CPPHS hockey player Lucas James Saurbaugh.
Just two days before his 20th birthday, Lucas’s vibrant spirit was taken too soon, leaving behind his parents, Kamie and Jeffrey Saurbaugh, and a community forever changed by his warmth and kindness.
The Accident Occurred Around 11:24 a.m. On Victory Highway In Painted Post.
According to New York State Police, Lucas was riding an electric motorbike when he entered the roadway from a residential address.
Traveling eastbound, he collided with a 2019 Dodge pickup truck hauling a trailer, driven by a 31-year-old local man.
The impact was devastating.
Lucas sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Guthrie Corning Hospital, where, despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced deceased.
The driver of the pickup truck was unharmed.
The news shocked the Painted Post community. Lucas was known for his big smile, kind heart, and love of sports.
His parents, Kamie and Jeffrey Saurbaugh, were left to an unbelievable loss, supported by their family, including Lucas’s siblings, Ben and Anna, and his stepparents, Rich Mealy and Jennifer Saurbaugh.
Lucas Was A Talented Athlete In Baseball And Hockey, But His Greatest Strength Was His Empathy
Born on April 21, 2005, in Bath, New York, Lucas James Saurbaugh was a light in the lives of everyone who knew him.
Growing up in Corning, he attended Corning-Painted Post High School and graduated in 2023 with the prestigious Most Outstanding Award.
Friends and family describe him as someone who would drop everything to help others, whether they were loved ones or strangers.
Lucas’s love for the outdoors was evident in his favorite pastime: fishing. His happy place was by a stream, fishing pole in hand, where he found peace and joy.
That same sense of calm and purpose followed him into his work.
Lucas has been a valued member of the paint department at Goodrich Auto Works in Bath since October 2023.
His colleagues remember him as a hardworking, funny, and one-of-a-kind young man who left a lasting impression.
Before Goodrich, Lucas worked as a guard at Corning Ice Rink from November 2019 to January 2020, a job aligned with his love for hockey.
He also worked as a ranch hand at Mases Greenhouse and Evergreen Trees in Addison, New York, showcasing his strong work ethic and versatility.
Each role he took on reflected his commitment to contributing to his community.
After Lucas Passed Away, The Corning Community Supported Kamie And Jeffrey Saurbaugh
They have been important figures in the local Little League baseball scene for the past 15 years.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to raise $55,000 to help the family during this difficult time.
Over $39,000 has been raised, a testament to the community’s love and respect for the Saurbaugh family.
Support goes beyond just donations. Tributes have flooded social media, with heartfelt messages capturing the depth of Lucas’s impact.
Goodrich Auto Works shared a moving post on Facebook:
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our own Lucas Saurbaugh. Today would have been Lucas’s 20th birthday. He has been a part of the Goodrich Auto Works family since October of ’23, working in our paint department. Lucas was a one of a kind, funny, hard working young man. He has left a life long impression on all of us and will be deeply missed. There are no words to express the heart break of this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lucas’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Via Facebook
Lucas’s stepsister penned an emotional tribute on his birthday:
Lucas is survived by his mother, Kamie Saurbaugh, and stepfather, Rich Mealy; his father, Jeffrey Saurbaugh, and stepmother, Jennifer Saurbaugh; his siblings, Ben and Anna; his grandparents; and his stepsiblings.
A private celebration of Lucas’s life will be held at the family’s convenience, allowing them to honor his memory in their way.
Though Lucas’s time on earth was far too short, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.
From the ice rink to the baseball field, from the fishing stream to the auto shop, Lucas James Saurbaugh brought joy, kindness, and love to everything he did.
For Kamie and Jeffrey Saurbaugh, their son’s memory will forever be a source of strength and inspiration, carried forward by a community that refuses to let his light fade.
#Fly high, Lucas.
