On Friday, July 24, 2026, at approximately 5:08 p.m., members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Park Drive in the Town of Putnam Valley to assist emergency medical personnel with a reported construction equipment accident involving a skid steer.
Upon arrival, deputies located a 56-year-old male, identified as Joseph S. Petti, deceased at the scene. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Crime Scene Unit (CSU) responded to conduct the investigation.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Petti was operating a skid steer on his property when he apparently fell from the machine and sustained a fatal head injury. Investigators determined that he was not pinned beneath or run over by the skid steer. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
The Putnam County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene. As is standard procedure in cases of unattended deaths, an autopsy has been scheduled to assist in determining the official cause and manner of death.
The investigation remains ongoing. Information contained in this release is based on the preliminary investigation and may be updated as additional facts become available.
The members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office extend their sincere condolences to Mr. Petti’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
