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'Total Shock': 34-Year-Old Air Force Veteran Killed In Capital Region Crash Had 'Heart Of Gold'

Tributes are pouring in for a beloved Air Force veteran following his untimely death in the region.

Michael Furch, age 34, died in a single-vehicle crash on I-787 in Albany on Thursday, June 20. 

Michael Furch, age 34, died in a single-vehicle crash on I-787 in Albany on Thursday, June 20. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps street view // Facebook users Neal Metheny, Daniel L Shephard

Albany County resident Michael Furch, age 34, of Guilderland, died following a single-vehicle crash on I-787 in Albany on Thursday, June 20.

New York State Police said Furch was operating a motorcycle when he lost control and struck a concrete barrier while exiting I-787 on the flyover ramp to I-90. He was ejected from the bike and landed on the shoulder of I-787 northbound below.

Furch was pronounced dead at the scene.

In the days since his death, social media has been flooded with tributes to Furch, a 2008 graduate of Binghamton High School in Broome County and Air Force veteran, according to his obituary.

“This world just lost one of the greats. I am in total shock,” Neal Metheny said on Facebook. “Thank you for your service to this great country.”

After getting his bachelor’s degree in homeland security and emergency management at SUNY Albany, Furch had recently started a job as an emergency response team technician at NY CREATES and was excited to use the skills he learned in the Air Force, his memorial said.

“Michael was still a kid at heart, and loved family get-togethers, riding motorcycles, and playing video games. He loved all animals, and is now reunited with Jet, the dog he rescued while in the Air Force (he would tell you that Jet rescued him),” reads his obituary.

“Michael had a heart of gold and will be missed by family and friends, near and far.”

Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, June 28, at J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home in Binghamton.

In lieu of flowers, relatives asked that people consider donating to the Humane Society in Furch’s honor.

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