Collin Jones, a beloved Brooklyn native and Director of Safety and Security at the Empire Hotel in NYC, has tragically passed away following a motorcycle accident in Tonawanda. He was critically injured in the crash on Wednesday, July 2, and died from his injuries after undergoing emergency surgery.
The collision occurred around 4:50 p.m. on the 1000 block of Niagara Falls Boulevard, where a motorcycle and a vehicle collided. First responders from both the Town of Tonawanda and Town of Amherst arrived at the scene, with the Eggertsville Fire Company providing emergency assistance. Jones was rushed to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) with a firefighter on board, but despite valiant efforts, he could not be saved.
Authorities later confirmed that the accident happened on the Tonawanda side of the boulevard, and the local police department is handling the investigation. Further details about the cause of the crash have not been released at this time.
News of Collin’s passing has sent shockwaves through his hometown of Brooklyn and beyond. Friends and loved ones took to social media to express their heartbreak and pay tribute to the man they lovingly called “Cee.”
“Damn Uncle Cee… you watched me grow up from a baby to a man,” wrote Kai Wingate. “You my favorite old head nfs… no more jokes? No more sharing henny and za? SMH I’m hurt fr ima miss you.”
Toni Armstead added, “Collin Jones you really fucked me up… Not only were you one of them ONES… You were the ONE. I send my love and deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him. I LOVE YOU BOO.”
Others remembered Collin’s infectious energy, humor, and his one-of-a-kind presence. “The coolest brother in the world is not with us anymore,” said Chippa Chaps. Ebony Symone reflected on their first meeting, saying, “You always had good energy and it was never a dull moment.”
Professionally, Collin was a respected figure in his field, serving as the Director of Safety and Security at the Empire Hotel in New York City. Colleagues and friends say he brought both confidence and compassion to his work—an unshakable presence in moments of both tension and celebration.
Now, instead of planning birthday messages or casual run-ins at local events, Collin’s circle is left grieving a life that brought joy, laughter, and security to so many. His sudden passing leaves a void in the lives of all who knew him.
Funeral arrangements and memorial details have yet to be announced. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.