Lodi teenager killed when car strikes tree

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Friday morning at 2:45 am, Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a fatal motor vehicle accident in Lodi involving a teenager.Deputies report that Michael C. Mulford, age 18 of Lodi Center Road in Lodi, was eastbound on Neal Road in the Town of Lodi. Deputies state that Mulford lost control of his vehicle and left the road, striking a tree.Mulford, who was the sole occupant, was checked at the scene by South Seneca Ambulance but eventually pronounced dead by Seneca County Coroner Paul McPhearson.Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted at the scene by Lodi Fire, and the road was closed for approximately 3 hours while the Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Unit investigated.The vehicle sustained heavy damage and was towed from the scene.Deputies indicate that alcohol involvement and unsafe speed were factors in the crash.