Truck driver from Medina killed in Wyoming County accident

Emil Smith also was a blacksmith who ran for County Legislature

Emil Smith

MIDDLEBURY – A Medina resident who ran for County Legislature in 2013 was killed in an accident on Wednesday in Wyoming County.

Gregory “Emil” Smith, 54, was driving a two-axle box truck, traveling down a hill on Fox Road when he approached the intersection with State Route 19. Unknown circumstances led to the box truck failing to negotiate for a right turn at the bottom of the hill, and the box truck drove off the left side of the roadway and into a wooded area, the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department reported.

Smith was ejected from the vehicle, and 1800 gallons of Halex, a liquid weed killer, contained in plastic drums, were thrown from the cargo area as it was ripped open by the collision with multiple trees. Halex and diesel fuel both spilled from the truck after the collision. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, and nobody else was involved in the crash, the Sheriff’s Department reported today.

Photo courtesy of Wyoming County Free Press

Smith was an active Medina community member, participating in art shows and many other events. He did blacksmith displays, and many of his metal creations were on display at his property on Route 63, including three large crosses across the road.

Smith also competed in the Celtic Games in Niagara County.

Emil Smith is shown doing a blacksmith demonstration in July 2012 at the Finger Lakes Celtic Festival.

He was opposed to the sale of the Orleans County Nursing Home and ran for legislator. He was endorsed by the Conservative Party and also ran under the “Save Our Nursing Home” independent line. Smith lost a close election to incumbent Bill Eick.