Richard Rider pleads guilty to fatal Hudson Valley crash

Richard Rider, a 47‑year‑old man from Kingston, New York, pleaded guilty to first‑degree vehicular manslaughter and driving while ability impaired after a head‑on collision on December 14, 2025 on Albany Post Road near Huyler Drive in the Town of Hyde Park. Blood tests showed Rider was under the influence of five substances – clonazepam, diazepam, nordiazepam, delta‑9‑THC and methadone – when his white Ford F‑150 struck a Honda Accord driven by 28‑year‑old Alijah M. Johnson of Hyde Park, killing Johnson.

Rider admitted crossing into oncoming traffic while impaired. He had a valid driver’s license despite five prior DWI‑related arrests and a previous felony DWI conviction. Under the plea agreement, he faces a sentence of six to twelve years in New York State prison, with sentencing scheduled for November. Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi said the plea holds Rider accountable for the tragic loss of life and the impact on Johnson’s family.